Following the success of the PBS-aired one-hour special of the same name, this outstanding series hosted by stand-up comic Michael Pritchard focuses on individual problem areas for teenagers. We looked at two segments: "Sex" and "Communicating With Parents". In the segment on sex, Pritchard recalls his brother talking about getting to "first base" with his date, and asks the audience: "Is that a good way to talk about people?" Later, a student, discussing the problems of peer pressure offers: "My friends say: you need to get laid. That's so gross." Pritchard does not lecture, he converses, gently steering students into hypothetical questions, and constantly affirming that they have the "power of choice." He recognizes and respects their concerns and fears, while opening up new areas of thought for them to ponder. In "Communicating With Parents", Pritchard opens with a humorous dialogue about growing up with his brother (a true N.A.R.S.--Not A Rocket Scientist- who believed that Cheerios were donut seeds) and their relationship with a father who could sometimes gel a bit testy. In talking with students, he explores the problems of communication, by offering suggestions on how kids might better get their views across to parents, while at the same time asking kids to understand not only their parents but themselves too. We've seen a number of programs where kids talk to "the camera", but Pritchard gets beyond the surface--these kids are talking to him. Other titles in the series are: Acting On Your Values, Self-Esteem, Coping With Pressures, Drugs & Alcohol Parts I and II, Drinking and Driving, Friendship and Dating, Depression and Suicide, and Raising Your Parents. Highly recommended. (Available from: Live Wire Video Publishers, 3315 Sacramento St., San Francisco, CA 94118.)
The Power Of Choice
(1988) 11 programs, 30 m. each. $64.95 per program. (booklets included).Public performance rights included. Vol. 4, Issue 2
The Power Of Choice
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