Robert Simon is a man who has spent most of his life as a learner and a teacher. Rob has made a conscious effort to continually redefine himself as an educator beyond his former work as a junior high social studies teacher and teaching specialist for the Wichita Public Schools. As a result, in the classic sense of the Latin word, educare, he has discovered many different ways to help "draw forth" the best from thousands of people with whom he has worked.

His tools include his own songs, essays, and poetry as well as public speaking, a weekly radio commentary, stage performances, and workshop presentations. Rob considers his work the pursuit of a personal mission that he says is to "ignite within all of us . . . the desire and the power to live a fruitful life." A few of his adaptable presentations include:

  1. "Drugs, Decisions, and Alternatives" - A generic definition of the term "drug" is followed by group brainstorming of various substances that are used, the reasons why people use them, a simple five-question process for making wise decisions about the use of drugs and alcohol, and a common-sense discussion of positive and exciting alternatives to drug use. Appropriate for "Red Ribbon Week" & "Anti-Drug Use Themes."

  2. "How To Counteract Negative Pressures" - An exploration of refusal skills, decision-making skills, and other life skills designed to increase assertiveness and the ability to negate the effects of negativism in all forms - including negative peer influence at work, school, or elsewhere. 

  3. "True Colors" - A personality and style inventory created by Education Companies International (formerly Communication Companies International) involves participants in a fun, high-energy activity which gives them a handle on their own personality, the personalities of others, and insight into how differences and similarities play a part in relationships of all kinds

  4. "Hey Me, Get Out Of My Way!" - A challenging workshop on self-defeating behaviors (SDBs) based partly on the book Eliminate Your SDBs by Jonathan Chamberlain. The presentation explores definitions of SDBs and techniques for "implementing" them; offers opportunities for discussion of the topic; and explores one or two strategies for dealing with them (usually positive self-affirmations, visual imagery, or both) as time permits.

  5. "Self-Worth & Positive Choices" - By far, this is the most often requested theme for assembly programs for young people. Our approach goes beyond just "feeling good about yourself" to address the inner foundations of self-worth and to emphasize building relationship and community by valuing others as well. Sub-topics can include:

  1. "Get F.A.T." - "F.A.T." is an acronym for Feelings, Actions, and Thoughts. Discussion centers on these three elements of human personality and how they interact to influence and control our experience.

  2. "You Are What You Think" - Specifically deals with the relationship between positive thinking/positive action and positive self-image. Quips and quotes serve as fodder for thinking, discussion, and FUN!

  3. "Mirror, Mirror!" - This experience in self-reflection focuses on self-discovery and self-improvement based on theories of human potential and the power of self-affirmation. May also include carefully crafted discussion of the mind/body/spirit model of what it means to be human. 

  1. "Communication, Caring & Empowerment: Ideas, Attitudes & Techniques" -
    Communication is defined by some as "the management of messages for creating meaning." When "meaning" has to do with health and wellness, how caretakers communicate to the clients, patients, students, family members or others in their care is critical. With our appropriate non-verbal messages, behavioral examples and deliberate efforts to communicate, we who attend to the important needs of others can positively motivate and support their self-empowerment. To do so, we must concentrate not only on what we say and do, but how it is said and done. In other words, who we are can communicate as much as our words and actions.

  2. "Jigsaw Puzzles and Patchwork Quilts" - Discusses fine arts based projects designed to take advantage of varied skills and talents of participants in a cooperative effort to build self-image, foster a heightened sense of community, and gain other positives.

(Note: This presentation can also serve as an introduction or promotion for the "IMITATION of LIFE Fine Arts in Prevention Training" and/or Utah's model for "IMPROV Training for Prevention" c/o Lori Hargraves.)

 

About Us | Montage | Rob Simon | More Montage Family | Commquest | Program Themes | Home


Copyright © 2001-2007 Positive Rhythm Productions, all rights reserved.