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; aggressively or "HOT," passively or "COLD" and assertively or "COOL." The negative consequences of the victim-like/ passive response and the hothead/aggressive response are then contrasted against the positive outcomes of the assertive/COOL response.
Colors are used to symbolize the aggressive/HOT response, the passive/ COLD response and the assertive/COOL response. Each time a particular response is illustrated, it is paired with a color that symbolizes that response. "Red", the color of "fire" is used to symbolize the HOT response; "Blue", the color of "ice" for the COLD response; and "Neutral Color," and "sunglasses" for the COOL response. These colors will be of special help to the learner who is cognitively challenged, who may be unable to verbalize behaviors associated with HOT, COLD or COOL, but quite capable of recalling the colors of the response and act accordingly.
The BeCool program describes techniques for managing some of the most common and difficult interpersonal behaviors faced by adolescents. Being the brunt of teasing, bullying, anger, and criticism can produce tremendous stress, serious behavior problems, and 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 "BeCool."
Additional instructional activities include group discussion topics and roleplays.