Concept
In a dangerous, threatening, or confusing situation, children should: 1. Say "NO!" assertively 2. GO from the situation (if possible) 3. TELL a parent and teacher.
Objectives
Children will be able to:
- Say "NO!" assertively.
- GÓ from a situation that is potentially dangerous, threatening, or confusing.
- TELL a parent and teacher if something happens.
Teacher Information
Eager to please and comply, many children do not say "NO!" (or say it without conviction) and are more vulnerable to assault or exploitation as a result. Expressing "NO!" will not necessarily ensure safety, but by teaching children this response and respecting their right to communicate it, we are giving them the resources with which to make an impact. It is important for teachers to work individually with each child on these assertiveness skills. It is okay for children to GO from an authority figure if that person acts inappropriately. Realistically, it is usually impossible for preschool or severely disabled children to leave the care of an adult. If abuse occurs when a parent is nearby, children should go immediately to tell the parent.
The more difficult task, however, is for a young child who cannot escape from an abusive situation to hold on to this information until a parent or teacher is available. Teachers should continually emphasize the "tell" portion of NO-GO-TELL! Children should tell a trusted person about any abusive incident that occurs. The worst secondary problem with abuse is that children remain silent and do not tell what has happened to them. Disclosure is the critical step of the NO-GO-TELL! safety process. Emphasize how and who to tell when teaching this curriculum. Adults can help and protect children only if they know what is happening. A child's disclosure to a trusted adult can be the most effective protection method for physical and emotional abuse as well as sexual exploitation. To encourage open communication, children must feel: 1) they will be believed 2) someone will help them 3)they will be comforted. Children need to know someone cares and can/ will protect them. As abuse frequently occurs in the home and is sometimes not reported, it is essential to stress that the child should tell both a parent and a teacher.
It is at this point that the NO-GO-TELL!! poster should be displayed near the place where you teach the curriculum lessons. You should refer to the NO-GO-TELL! poster whenever appropriate with subsequent lessons.
Picture Description and Suggested Language Guidelines
It is important to be safe.
- Look at this little boy. He is saying "NO!" with a big voice.
- Now he is going away to tell his mommy or daddy what happened. Sometimes you can't tell Mommy or Daddy. Maybe Mommy or Daddy are not home. You will go away and have to wait until they come back and remember to tell them what happened.
- Now he is telling his mommy what happened. When he goes to school he will tell his teacher, too.
Always tell your mommy or daddy and teacher when you are upset or scared or hurt. They can help you.
Activities
- Roleplay saying "NO!" assertively.
- Use mirrors and tape recorders to practice saying "NO!" as loudly and assertively as possible.
- Roleplay going from different dangerous and threatening situations.
- Roleplay telling about different dangerous and threatening situations.