Educator Spotlight with Robert Kingdom
Meet Robert Kingdom! Robert is a School Counselor at Kaysville and Samuel Morgan Elementary Schools in Utah. Robert's natural high is laughter. He cares deeply about the natural high message and all the students at his school, so we asked him to share a little bit about his experience.
What type of setting do you use the DVDs in?
I use the Natural High DVDs in small assemblies, by grade, and then follow up in the classroom and pull kids aside in the hall to ask them what their natural high is.
How are you implementing the Natural High DVDs or message at your school?
During the assemblies I simply use the video, and then open the floor for discussion afterward. The teachers have a copy of the Natural High 4 Toolkit and they are going through this with their students afterward. As I go in the classrooms for my monthly lessons, I am asking what each kid's natural high is, and for those who want to, they share this with the class. I feel this is a way to keep them thinking about what they saw, and thinking ahead, knowing that maybe next time I'm there they can share with me or the class.
We also sent out a letter to all the parents telling them what we are doing so that this idea can be reinforced at home. Consequently, we have been contacted by the local media who heard from a parent about what we were doing, and they were excited that we are running a program that is so much more than just saying "no." I have also linked information from natural high on my website.
How have your students/class responded?
It was amazing how everything came together with this video. I expected to have some kids acting up or talking, or fidgeting through the movie, but nothing like that happened. The gym was completely silent during the movie. The kids were so much into what they were seeing that they wanted more. I gave them the option to take notes or not, and every kid had at least a half of a page of notes, and most had about a page full of quotes and good advice, many had two pages.
What do you think is the most important key to remember when teaching drug prevention?
Drugs are everywhere. No socioeconomic distinction or geographic location is immune to having drugs readily available for those who want them. If kids want to use drugs they will find access to them, and they will use them. Drug prevention cannot be taught with a blind eye. Kids must know that at some point they will be offered drugs, and yes it is their choice. They are the only ones who can say yes or no. So, children must be reached with drug prevention before they are reached with words of drug encouragement from those who they may call "friend."
Anything else you would like to share?
The word had been spreading in my school district that this movie has been working out great for the kids. Many have this DVD, and for some reason they have decided not to use it. I attribute much of that to not wanting to try new things, which many counselors and teachers get caught up in. Someone find me something that works as well, or better than this and I promise I'll use it, but my guess is it's not out there. Plus this is FREE!!! Anyway, I think that they are missing out on a great teaching opportunity for kids, and these kids are missing out on a lesson that is very much needed. I feel that recently the word is spreading on the value of the Natural High program; I would expect that the majority of our schools will have taught this idea in the next year.
Additional Testimonials from Educators and Kids
"The Natural High DVD's are Wonderful!! We don't get much free stuff to use with our students. Usually we buy it or do without since we are a very small rural school. I can not thank you enough for providing us with this movie. The students loved it. It really made them think about their future and they discussed more after watching this movie than any other time. They all wanted to talk and tell what they loved most. You have helped students see that drugs are a dead end street, they were so excited to see those professionals and know that they can make it in life if they will stay drug free too. You have reached my students!!" -June Furlough, Counselor Union Grove Elementary, AL
"I have taught for 25 years and the Natural High videos are REAL and REACH the kids. The discussions that follow are VERY POWERFUL. Many of us have experienced/lost family and friends to drugs. The videos send great messages to be drug free and find a NATURAL HIGH." -Jamie Armin, Health Educator, Tantasqua Regional Junior High, MA
"The thing I enjoyed most about the DVD I viewed was that the people seemed real. They weren't reading off a piece of paper saying 'Don't Do Drugs' just to get publicity. They really wanted to let kids know that it was okay to not have many friends because you choose to live a better life. It made me want to set my goals higher and not let anything hold me back. I'm not addicted to any substances. Although I have tried some, I chose to stop trying to due to your DVD. By finding my natural high I concentrate more on what i love doing and less on what i think would make me feel cooler. It makes me feel good about myself, in turn making it less likely for me to turn to drugs or alcohol." -Student(anonymous), KS
"A great concept! I remember growing up and going out with my friends and we'd get asked, "what did you guys take?" and our response was always "we're on a natural high." It truly is the best feeling. Thanks for sharing this video and I do recommend it." - Carmen Rueda, PTA Member, Walnut Grove Intermediate, CA
