Melanie's Speak to Children Program was a very effective way to support our schools Core Value Program. The students were very attentive to Miss Melanie when she worked with them. Her calm and accepting demeanor allowed a trust to build between her and the students when talking about sensitive subjects like self-esteem and equality. Melanie used anecdotal examples to illustrate the meaning of her lessons, and this made her more accessible to the students. They saw that she is just like them, and their experiences were similar.
The students were engaged by the content of her lessons, but more importantly, they were allowed opportunities to construct their own meanings. They were able to share their own experiences with the class in a safe environment. After they discussed the content and how that related to their own lives, they were asked to illustrate an example of what the lesson meant to them. At the end of the lesson it was the children's work that was showcased and celebrated.
Melanie's greatest lesson was not how to talk to children, but how to listen. Any school would benefit from her program. All children need to have a forum to discuss these issues and Melanie presents them clearly and in a safe environment to students.
Lisa Buchleitner
Third grade teacher
Edison Brentwood
East Palo Alto, CA
