Adra Young's Blog, page 9
March 28, 2011
Tween Girls Share Their Breaking Points In Regards to Bullying
Hello Everyone. It's Adra Young your favorite Tween and Young Adult author here. I hope that everyone is having a great Monday. This afternoon, I had the privilege of talking with my all female sixth grade class. Our topic of discussion was based upon their personal experience and breaking point with bullying.
One young lady stated that the situation had gotten so bad that she reported it to the school principal. Scared to the point of not wanting to go to school, another young lady told her aunt about the situation which resulted to her aunt addressing the bully face to face. Feeling at that specific time that the end result would be tragic, this youngster decided to stand up for her self by simply taking the first swing at her bully.
The last youngster's situation listed is a prime example of how we can try to avoid a situation by abiding all the rules and regulations yet unfortunately still unable to avoid trouble. Wouldn't this world be a great place if we simply all could?
Adra Young
Author of: The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues Series
Be on the look out for my third book The MisFits Coming the Fall of 2011
March 21, 2011
Did I Give Birth To This Kid! Signs Of A Child Going Through The “In Between Phase.”
If you can answer yes to two or more of indicators listed below, and you are asking yourself what happened to my beautiful sweet son or daughter, the answer is simply the “In Between Phase.” Parents I am encouraging you to not get bent out of shape, or worry about where you went wrong. Believe it or not, the “In Between Phase” is one of the most difficult transistions a youngster can make. There are many changes at this time that take place during this spurt in a child’s life. A very major one just so happens to be puberty. Their bodies are changing and growing. Most likely there is also an increase in their eating and sleeping habits. More importantly their brains are also changing as well.
During this phase I encourage my parents to do the followng; Remain firm but fair, Monitor your child’s attitude towards school thier school, Watch for a decline in your child’s grades. Do not take the “In Between Phase” personally. Parents I can assure you that this phase does not last forever. Hang in there. It does get better.
Adra Young
Author of: The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologue Series
Be on the look out for my third book The Misfits is coming in 2011
Did I Give Birth To This Kid! Signs Of A Child Going Through The "In Between Phase."
Hello everyone. It's your favorite Tween and Teen Author Adra Young once again sharing knowledge about kids ranging from the ages of eleven through thirteen. Yes people, I am referring to the dreaded "In Between Phase" that every child goes through. Unfortunately, during this process, parents experience or endure the following from their youngsters; A whole lot of "Back Talk", Major attitudes, A sudden or drastic change between you and your child's relationship.
If you can answer yes to two or more of indicators listed below, and you are asking yourself what happened to my beautiful sweet son or daughter, the answer is simply the "In Between Phase." Parents I am encouraging you to not get bent out of shape, or worry about where you went wrong. Believe it or not, the "In Between Phase" is one of the most difficult transistions a youngster can make. There are many changes at this time that take place during this spurt in a child's life. A very major one just so happens to be puberty. Their bodies are changing and growing. Most likely there is also an increase in their eating and sleeping habits. More importantly their brains are also changing as well.
During this phase I encourage my parents to do the followng; Remain firm but fair, Monitor your child's attitude towards school thier school, Watch for a decline in your child's grades. Do not take the "In Between Phase" personally. Parents I can assure you that this phase does not last forever. Hang in there. It does get better.
Adra Young
Author of: The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologue Series
Be on the look out for my third book The Misfits is coming in 2011
March 14, 2011
What My School District Is Doing To Resolve The Bullying Issue
Hello everyone. It's your favorite middle school teacher and young adult author Adra Young. Did everyone get a chance to see the President and the First Lady speak last Thursday? More importantly, do you know what their topic of discussion was about? If you guessed bullying and how it has drastically impacted the schools all over this country, you're absolutely correct.
As I watched the first couple addressed this issue to our entire Nation, I thought to myself what are some of the things various states and school districts are doing to remedy the situation? The district that I work for, the Detroit Public School system is currently holding a Anti Bully Design Contest. They are requesting that the youth get involved by creating a poster, slogan, or an official DPS Anti-Bully mascot.
Discussing the contest with my all male class today, I asked them how they felt about our school district taking a initiative to end bullying. The majority of class was very happy about this step. One student stated that initatives such as this one will reduce the shame levels of kids that are being bullied. Another student mentioned that contest such as this one could help reduce the numbers of children that commit suicide due to bullying. As a teacher for the Detroit Public School system, I can honestly state that this initative could be the beggining of many more to come as we tackle this issue to defeat bullying for good.
Adra Young
Author of: The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologue Series
Get ready for my third book the Misfits coming this Fall of 2011
March 8, 2011
Tween Adult Males Share Their Tips On How To Solve School Bullying.
Greetings everyone. I'm back once again to share a conversation I had with two male adult tweens at my school here in Detroit. The three of us at lunch time today talked about the cold weather and the issue with bullying in today's schools. Although both of the young men were both victims at one time or another, they both agreed upon several things.
The first thing they agreed upon was that they felt safe in their home room classroom. Unfortunately they both felt that their chances or risk of being placed in a situation to be bullied took place during lunch time in the lunch room or in the auditorium. The reasoning for their response dealt with the fact that lunch time provides the opportunity at most schools for all the students from various classes to blend. I instantly had a "Aha Moment" when both males indicated that they were bullied by other students who were not in their home room classes.
I asked the two young men to provide tips on what schools should do to eliminate bullying. Surprisingly, I got some very creative responses. One young man suggested that all of the school bullies be placed in the same classes together and should also be dismissed from school fifteen minutes after the rest of student body daily. His reasoning dealt with assuring that student body gets home safely without having to deal with the hassle of being harassed on the way home. The second suggestion provided from my other male student was that all administrators go through the files of incoming students to ensure they have no record or history of being trouble makers. His reasoning behind his tip was to ensure that decent schools that have low incidence of bullying and violent cases don't become dumping grounds for students with behavior issues.
In a perfect world both of their tips would've been great but unfortunately this is not how the real world of education operates. Perhaps the two of these young men may just grow up accepting roles as political figures that will allow them be involved in educational reform as it relates to bullying.
Adra Young
Author of: The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologue Series
The Misfits coming in November of 20111.
February 17, 2011
Female Tweens And Their Encounters With Bullying
Curious to know if any of my girls had ever been victims of bullying, I posed the question to the entire class. The number of hands that went up indicating yes sent a chill through my spine. Out of the 33 girls, 23 of my young ladies raised their hands. Ninety percent of girls in my class have already been victims of bullying in some type of form or fashion before the age of 13. Disheartened by the results, I asked the young ladies to state and or explain the specific situation or experience they had had with bullying. Some young ladies stated that they were teased and made to feel bad about themselves due to their weight. Others mention their crooked teeth. Several stated that they were made fun of due to their darker complexion. Already at such a young age, some of the girls had found theirselves in situations where they were so afraid and intimidated by their bully that they were forced to give up personal belongings simply due to fear and being afraid for their personal safety.
I am only one teacher in America. Only 10% of my young ladies were fortunate enough to had not experienced an encounter with a bully. Just imagine what the numbers or percentages of bullying for females under the age of 13 are nationwide? Unfortunately in today’s time bullying appears to be increasing . Remember as adults rather you are teachers or not, there are simple steps you can take to assist. In my last blog, I mentioned that I emphasized the importance of my class room being a “Bully Free Zone.” The simple step I took this week was just simply asking? Parents remember to ask your daughters if they are being threatened by other students, strangers, or relatives. This simple step is very important because that young lady may be afraid to open up about the issue or matter.
Adra Young
Author of: The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues Series
www.ardannyl.me
The release of “The MisFits” coming in Fall of 2011
Female Tweens And Their Encounters With Bullying
Hello everyone. It's Detroit's favorite young adult author and middle school teacher Adra Young. Every afternoon, I have the privilege of educating 33 awesome amazing young females ranging from the ages of 11-12. Each one of them is beautiful and unique in their own special kind of way. Just to simply have the opportunity to work with this awesome group of girls on the daily basis brings my heart much joy. Which is why the information I am about to share with you all is truly heart breaking.
Curious to know if any of my girls had ever been victims of bullying, I posed the question to the entire class. The number of hands that went up indicating yes sent a chill through my spine. Out of the 33 girls, 23 of my young ladies raised their hands. Ninety percent of girls in my class have already been victims of bullying in some type of form or fashion before the age of 13. Disheartened by the results, I asked the young ladies to state and or explain the specific situation or experience they had had with bullying. Some young ladies stated that they were teased and made to feel bad about themselves due to their weight. Others mention their crooked teeth. Several stated that they were made fun of due to their darker complexion. Already at such a young age, some of the girls had found theirselves in situations where they were so afraid and intimidated by their bully that they were forced to give up personal belongings simply due to fear and being afraid for their personal safety.
I am only one teacher in America. Only 10% of my young ladies were fortunate enough to had not experienced an encounter with a bully. Just imagine what the numbers or percentages of bullying for females under the age of 13 are nationwide? Unfortunately in today's time bullying appears to be increasing . Remember as adults rather you are teachers or not, there are simple steps you can take to assist. In my last blog, I mentioned that I emphasized the importance of my class room being a "Bully Free Zone." The simple step I took this week was just simply asking? Parents remember to ask your daughters if they are being threatened by other students, strangers, or relatives. This simple step is very important because that young lady may be afraid to open up about the issue or matter.
Adra Young
Author of: The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues Series
The release of "The MisFits" coming in Fall of 2011
February 6, 2011
Bullying And It's Impact On Today's Youth
Curious to know more about it, I explained to the young ladies parent that this book would be based upon youngsters who did not fit in and as a result of not fitting in became victims of bullying. Sadly the young ladies mom stated to me that her daughter was also a victim. Thankfully, the young lady had the courage to tell her mom. Her mother took the right steps and reported the occurrences to the school administration.
The question I present is this, what about today’s youth who suffers from bullying on the regular basis but unfortunately has no one to turn to? These are the kids who are teased and tormented daily. Sadly as a result of this, the level and rates of today’s youth killing themselves are at and all time high.
There are so many simple things and steps that individuals can take and assist with this growing epidemic. For example in the beginning of the school year, I informed my class that our learning environment was a “Bully Free Zone” and explained in details what that meant. In addition, I informed all of my students that they are entitled to an education and have the right to attend school without being afraid. Lets all make a conscious effort to take a stand against bullying.
Adra Young
Author of: The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues Series
http://www.ardannyl.me
“The Misfits” coming in November 2011
Bullying And It's Impact On Today's Youth
Hello everyone. I know it's been a minute however Happy New Year and Valentines day in advance! Promoting my book series at the Detroit Historical Museum this past Saturday, I asked one of the following young ladies parents to provide contact information. Always looking for feedback from my readers and fans, I explained to her that I was currently working on my third book titled "The MisFits", which is my very first fictional book.
Curious to know more about it, I explained to the young ladies parent that this book would be based upon youngsters who did not fit in and as a result of not fitting in became victims of bullying. Sadly the young ladies mom stated to me that her daughter was also a victim. Thankfully, the young lady had the courage to tell her mom. Her mother took the right steps and reported the occurrences to the school administration.
The question I present is this, what about today's youth who suffers from bullying on the regular basis but unfortunately has no one to turn to? These are the kids who are teased and tormented daily. Sadly as a result of this, the level and rates of today's youth killing themselves are at and all time high.
There are so many simple things and steps that individuals can take and assist with this growing epidemic. For example in the beginning of the school year, I informed my class that our learning environment was a "Bully Free Zone" and explained in details what that meant. In addition, I informed all of my students that they are entitled to an education and have the right to attend school without being afraid. Lets all make a conscious effort to take a stand against bullying.
Adra Young
Author of: The Everyday Living of Children & Teens Monologues Series
"The Misfits" coming in November 2011
September 4, 2010
Working With Detroit's Young Adults At The Detroit Impact Center In Michigan
Utilizing my first book, The Everday Living of Children and Teens Monologues along with a socialization skills curriculum I created to compliment it, I along with the young adults twice a week for two hours had the opportunity to dialogue on some very serious issues young people deal with today. No more than ever our young people have to deal with adults issues too early in their lives.
During this six week interval, we as a group became more comfortable with one another. Youngsters that did not have much to say in the begining of the socialization skills classes had a lot to say and state by the last week. Even young men opened up about issues and concerns they would rarely talk about.
What I learned from this experience overall was that our youngsters need someone to simply hear them out and listen to what they have to say. Once they know and feel in their hearts that adults can be trusted, they will let you in their world's and will let you know exactly how their coping and surviving in the 21st. century.
