3. How does the
program work?
The kids.now program is a fun, interactive, educational
leadership program delivered to groups of 10 self-selected
grade seven and eight students, regardless of race,
religion or socioeconomic status, or of physical,
developmental or communication challenges. Sessions
are in spring and fall of each year:
- At school
- After school
- 12 weeks
- 1 1/2 hours per week
- No cost to kids, schools or parents
Our 10-to-1 student-to-mentor ratio allows for
individual attention to each child's specific needs
and has been shown by research to be optimal.
The course material has been extensively researched
and is regularly updated and refreshed. It is laid
out in an easy-to-use format in an official coaching
manual with colourful posters. Each volunteer coach
follows the same delivery model, but brings to
it the flavour and spark of their individual personality
and experience.
Each student receives a “kids.book”,
which includes interactive exercises and activities
used both during the program and at home. Students
keep these books after the 12 weeks are over to
use as reference tools, and we emphasize the importance
of continuing to repeat and repeat the new ways
of thinking and behaving that they have learned
until they become second nature.
Coaches utilize educational games, skill-based
activities, group discussions and lesson plans
designed to address the following Key
Learning Components in a fun, energetic and supportive atmosphere:
- Problem solving and decision making
- Positive attitudes to learning
- Responsibility and accountability
- Adaptability and positive responses
to change
- Verbal and non-verbal communication
skills
- Innovation and creativity
- Presentation skills
- Effective feedback
- Teamwork
- Coaching skills
- Healthy living and physical activity
We have built a point system into the program
whereby the kids accumulate points for completion
of assignments, the number of hours they spend
in non-compulsory physical activity, and adherence
to the kids.now program ground rules, which are:
- Being ready to go for each session
- Listening attentively and talking only
when it is their turn
- Sharing positive, constructive feedback
only
- Making sure that what is said in the room
stays in the room
- Participating enthusiastically during each
session
The point system entrusts the kids with objectively
evaluating themselves, which develops their integrity
and self-awareness. To make it more fun, at the
end of the program, in addition to their completion
certificates, graduates receive cool reward prizes
(in-kind donations by kids.now corporate partners)
based on their accumulation of points.
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