Purple Hands Preschool Curriculum
Teacher Comments & Remarks
Teacher comments:
I appreciate all the work and organization of the program-my students and their families benefited greatly from the program.
I think it's very important to introduce this program at the preschool level. Children at this age are just learning how to successfully interact with peers. The more knowledge and tools that they have, the better their relationships will be as they continue through school.
I've enjoyed implementing this program each month. I am going to present this program every year.
Everything was great! The children seem to enjoy the time they spend with them.
I loved this program. It became a part of our classroom reminding the children the Pledge helped them stay in control of their actions I felt this program gave my kids a base to problem solve with what they learn at school. The activities were great, the bear was an object the kids could understand and relate to. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be part of this program. This is a wonderful, outstanding program which should be in all schools.
Teachers noted:
- A decrease in poor behavior choices as a result of implementing the Hands Project Pledge and curriculum.
- The preschoolers are using the Hands Project Pledge independently most of the time in their interactions with their peers.
- The Hands Project Pledge was shared with the preschoolers' families.
- They will continue using the Hands Project Pledge and curriculum in the future.
Parent comments made to the teachers:
The parents were happy with this; had positive comments.
Some parents are familiar with program and think it's a good idea!
The comments I've heard have been very positive. Most of our students recited the Pledge to family and friends on a regular basis, which was wonderful!
Parents were delighted with the program. They loved the Pledge and bears which the children talked about everyday the Jr high kids were here. Parents would love to see it continue.
Very excited and supportive of the program. Parents said they would remind family members Hand and Words are not for hurting.
Walker Middle School Comments 2004/05 Purple Hands Preschool Pilot Project
"The preschool violence prevention program developed by The Hands & Words Are Not For Hurting Project is by far the most innovative and inspired effort yet in addressing the issues of bullying and mean spirited teasing. Our eighth-grade students who participated in the preschool visits came away with a profound sense of having made a real difference in the lives and characters of the 4 & 5 year olds they mentored. Not only did our middle school students have the chance to model and demonstrate positive coping skills but they also were able to take away an improved self-image of themselves. Thank you Ann Kelly for this wonderful opportunity and for providing such a remarkable outreach."
Pete Teller
Counselor
Walker Middle School, Salem Oregon
As a long time school counselor with experience at all grade levels, I whole heartly endorse the Hands & Words Are Not Hurting Preschool Curriculum. At a time when concerns about bullying in schools have increased, this excellent antiviolence curriculum teaches students not to use their hands or their words to hurt themselves or others. It was impressive and heart warming to watch our Peer Helpers teach this program and interact in a meaningful way with local preschoolers. The bonding and positive modeling that took place between the preschoolers and our peer helpers further insured that the students would learn and internalize the Hands message.
Marsha Griffiths, MSW,ACSW
Counselor
Walker Middle School, Salem Oregon
The work is most rewarding when the children remember and repeat the songs and poems they were taught. They're going to be our age in a couple of years, so hopefully they'll learn about being nice. Kids these days are so mean to each other in school.
Kristi Mueller
8th grade student & Peer Helper
Walker Middle School, Salem, Oregon
I hope the preschoolers will understand the negative impact of violence. I hope they learn that violence is not something good to do, so that they won't grow up to be criminals.
Rachel Kottek
8th grade student & Peer Helper
Walker Middle School, Salem, Oregon
It's nice just to come in and see them smiling
Kimmi Nguyen
8th grade student & Peer Helper
Walker Middle School, Salem, Oregon