Grades 3-6: FAQ's

What do students learn when they participate in the Think First & Stay Safe™ School Program?

Students learn what constitutes healthy and respectful social relationships. They practice being kind and respectful to friends and family. When children know how to build and maintain healthy social relationships from a young age, it is easier for them to recognize and avoid inappropriate and potentially abusive behaviors.

The program reinforces personal boundaries and emphasizes that bullying and sexual abuse are against the law. It hones instincts and critical thinking skills. It helps youngsters identify trusted adults and assures them that bullying and abuse are never a targeted child's fault.

How was Think First & Stay Safe™ developed?

Think First & Stay Safe™ is based on ongoing research by Team Child Lures Prevention, including investigative reporter and author Ken Wooden and his colleagues of twenty five years, Jennifer Mitchell and Rosemary Webb. Jennifer and Rosemary co-wrote the program and have been instrumental in expanding it to address all forms of abusive behavior, including bullying and harassment. Jennifer & Rosemary spearheaded the 2011 program update to provide the most relevant and balanced approach to teaching personal safety to today's tech-savvy kids.

SEE ALSO: History of the Child Lures School Program

How often is Think First & Stay Safe™ updated?

Since its original creation, Rosemary Webb and Jennifer Mitchell have continuously updated and expanded Think First & Stay Safe™ to address the latest issues and safety concerns facing today's youngsters. These updates are based on our ongoing research, as well as the invaluable input of educators, parents and students. The program was most recently updated and revised in April, 2011.

Does the program offer a balanced perspective?

Yes. Youngsters are repeatedly reassured that the majority of people, including peers, are sincerely committed to the happiness and well-being of children and do not mistreat them. Those who harm or abuse children are the exception.

Has the program been proven to work?

Yes. Think First & Stay Safe™ has been scientifically evaluated and shown to be highly effective in safeguarding youngsters, based on the federally-mandated Principles of Effectiveness. The Program has been enthusiastically adopted by thousands of schools in 43 states. (See "Program Evaluations")

Does the Think First & Stay Safe™ School Program address bullying?

Yes, students are taught the importance of treating others with kindness and respect at home, at school and online/electronically. Grades 3-4 have a dedicated Lesson Plan addressing bullying, cyberbullying and electronic harassment entitled, Be Kind, No Bullying. Grades 5-6 participate in the comprehensive lesson, Bullying, Cyberbullying and Harassment. Students learn the value of using Netiquette at all times, as well as how to stand up for others and get help from trusted adults.

Does the program address peer-to-peer bullying and abuse?

Yes. The program addresses peer-to-peer bullying and abuse. It allows students to practice effective strategies to prevent, deflect and report bullying, based on the most recent research. School/state policies and consequences are reviewed.

As much as 30% of all childhood sexual abuse is perpetrated by children, on children. The Think First & Stay Safe program emphasizes that it is illegal for anyone - even a peer - to cross over the line from affection to sexual abuse.

Is Think First & Stay Safe™ age-appropriate?

Yes. The Presenter's Guide contains age-appropriate lesson plans for Grades PreK-2, 3-4 and 5-6. Presenters are encouraged to fine-tune each lesson, based on the maturity and sophistication of students.

Classroom Activities, Practice Scenarios and Classroom Posters differ for Grades 3 and 4, as well as for Grades 5 and 6.

What does the program kit consist of?

  • Presenter's Guide CD: Includes easy-to-follow scripted lesson plans, classroom activities, practice scenarios, follow-up activities, pre/post tests, and tools for parental involvement.
  • Presenter's Video: Training for Prevention: In this straightforward training video, program co-creator Ken Wooden guides presenters through the program and shares highlights of his own presentations to students of various ages.
  • Student Video: Luring: What Would You Do?: Four realistic dramatizations allow students to clearly visualize just how easily they may be lured into victimization. (Recommended for Grades 3 and up.)
  • Student Workbook for Grades 3-6: Allows students to follow along with each Lesson Plan and complete activities; may serve as a home reference guide once completed.
    View 5 Page Sample from Student Workbook
  • Parent Guide: This 20-page parent handbook summarizes the School Program and offers ideal home reinforcement. Available in English and Spanish.
    View Parent Guide Sample

    • View Grades 3-4 Classroom Poster Series:
    English | Spanish

    • Be a Safe Surfer!
    • No Secrets!
    • My Body Belongs to ME!
    • Take Three Steps Back!
    • Trust Your Gut!
    • There's No Lost Puppy!
      •

    View Grades 5-6 Classroom Poster Series:
    English | Spanish

    • 2Smrt 2B Lured
    • Trust Your Gut
    • Exclusion Hurts
    • No Threats. (No Kidding!)
    • Intolerance is Intolerable
    • SOBER = SAFE
    • No Weapons. No Exceptions.
      •

    Who teaches Think First & Stay Safe™?

    Typically, the program is taught by a school counselor, nurse, health/phys-ed teacher or school resource officer. In some schools, classroom teachers present the Program. It is suggested that guidance counselors act as coordinators and be readily available for victimized children's needs.

    How long does it take to teach the program?

    Think First & Stay Safe™ can conform to the time constraints of any classroom. Its scripted lesson plans are designed to be taught in approximately 10-15 minutes. Many presenters opt to follow the suggested one or two week presentation timetables found on the Presenter's Guide CD; others create their own.

    How do we involve parents?

    For prevention programs to be most effective, the support and cooperation of parents and guardians is needed.

    Distribution of the Parent Guide is strongly encouraged. Home reinforcement helps ensure students retain this invaluable information. It is also a visible way for schools to demonstrate compliance with federal educational entitlements calling for parental involvement.

    Prior to classroom presentations, schools are encouraged to hold a parent orientation where they are shown a PowerPoint overview (free online download), review the lesson plans, and raise any questions or concerns they may have.

    Distribution of the Think First & Stay Safe™ Parent Guide gives parents and other caregivers the ability to reinforce prevention strategies at home. Parents should also receive a copy of the take-home flyer, "Tips for Parents," located in the Presenter's Guide. Schools are also welcome to link to childluresprevention.com for free additional resources and information for parents and schools alike.

    Does the Think First & Stay Safe™ School Program have permanence?

    Yes. Once a school district or one of its schools adopts the Think First & Stay Safe™ program, it becomes a permanent resource that may be incorporated into the existing health curriculum. Targeted grades, as well as new students and personnel, can be trained each year.

    How do we fund this program for each school in our district?

    Schools employ Title IX grants, Safe & Drug-free School Funds, Safe Schools/Healthy Kids Initiative, At-Risk Funds, PTA/PTO sponsorship, as well as general funds. Area businesses and civic organizations are usually more than willing to sponsor the Think First & Stay Safe™ School Program and/or Parent Guides for local schools. Click here for more information on funding options.

    How do I preview Think First & Stay Safe™ for my school or school district?

    To arrange a preview of the Think First & Stay Safe™ School Program kit, please call 1-800-552-2197 or e-mail us us the name, address and phone number of your organization, as well as a contact name.

    We welcome your request to preview the Think First & Stay Safe™ School Program kit. The process is simple and free:

    • At your request, we send the Program, at no charge.
    • We encourage you to take 30-60 days to preview the Program.
    • We can provide a list of References for you to contact in your area.
    • We are happy to provide additional information or materials, should you need them.
    • We are readily available to answer any questions that may arise during your preview period.

    Can I read references or testimonials from schools that have implemented Think First & Stay Safe™?

    Yes. Please see our Success Stories

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