Introduction
The G.R.E.A.T. Elementary School Component is a skills-based curriculum designed to produce knowledge and attitudinal and behavioral changes through the use of facilitative teaching, positive behavioral rehearsal, cooperative and interactive learning techniques, and extended teacher activities. The curriculum has integrated National Learning English Language Arts Standards and National Health Standards and is based on effective research practices.
Goal
Prevent violence while developing a positive bond between law enforcement and youth during their early developmental years.
Program Structure
The G.R.E.A.T. Elementary School curriculum was designed for 4th and 5th grade students. Children who have aggressive behavior in the elementary school years are more likely to display antisocial and violent behaviors as adolescents and young adults. By providing prevention programs to students in elementary and middle school it is believed that such programs have a better chance of affecting the developmental course of the problem behavior. The curriculum can be used in conjunction with other prevention programs and as a precursor to the G.R.E.A.T. Middle School Component.
The Lessons
The G.R.E.A.T. Elementary School curriculum consists of six weekly lessons designed to be taught in sequential order. Each lesson is accompanied by a parent letter that the student takes home explaining the lesson and encouraging parent/student interaction.
1. G.R.E.A.T. Beginnings
- Program Introduction
- Ground Rules
- Bullying, Victim and Bystander
2. To Do or Not to Do
- Decisions and Outcomes
- Identifying Adults When We Need Help
3. Loud and Clear
- Clear Messages
- Practicing Different Ways of Communicating
4. Staying Cool When the Heat is On
- Identifying When We Feel Anger
- Practicing Controlling Anger
5. We’re All in This Together
- Similarities and Differences
- Respecting Others
- Golden Rule
6. G.R.E.A.T. Days Ahead
- Program Review
- Being a G.R.E.A.T. Citizen
- G.R.E.A.T. Promise