The BeCool program addresses four classes of difficult behaviors that can be expressed by others:
- Criticism
- Teasing
- Bullying
- Anger (Self/Others)
In each of the video scenarios, a character is challenged by a “difficult person" who, in some way, is trying to intimidate or manipulate him/her. After a moment of hesitation, the character models three different ways to respond; blowing up or “HOT, " giving up or “COLD” and being in control or “COOL. " The negative consequences of the “giving up" response and the “blowing up" response are then contrasted against the positive outcomes of the “being in control" response.
We feature “Chester The Cat" as the narrator of this series. In easy-to-understand language, he will guide students through each lesson as conflict situations arise and the three responses are chosen. Unique "Teaching Icons" are used to symbolize the blowing up/HOT response, the giving up/COLD response, and the being in control/COOL response. Each time a particular response is illustrated, it is paired with the “Chester expression" that symbolizes that response. “Chester showing his claws” is used to symbolize the HOT response, “Chester sadly leaving” for the COLD response, and “Chester with sunglasses " and a “3-Note Whistle" are used for the COOL response. Our animated spokesman will also introduce the concept of how and why the “BeCool sunglasses" came to be in his introductory show. In time, students will be able to recall the feeling tone of the HOT, COLD, and COOL responses by recalling the icon itself.
These icons will be of special help to the learner who is cognitively challenged, who may be unable to verbalize behaviors associated with acting “COOL, "but quite capable of recalling the “sunglasses, "or “3-note whistle" icons of the COOL response, the calm tone associated with them, and act accordingly.
The BeCool program describes techniques for managing some of the most common and difficult interpersonal behaviors faced by young children and adolescents. Being the brunt of teasing, bullying, anger, and criticism can produce tremendous stress, serious behavior problems, and the destruction of self-esteem. Using the self-defense coping strategies presented in this program, your students will learn how to minimize the destructive effects of these behaviors, as well as promote positive interpersonal interactions; when confronted by difficult people or difficult situations, they'll know that the best defense is to “BE COOL”
Additional instructional activities include group discussion topics, roleplays, and supplemental activities.
BeCool is the first program to bring the power of Assertiveness Strategies to the person with learning and developmental disabilities. It will empower your students to cope effectively in a world filled with aggression and conflict.