lwhs-m1-fg by Life Access Technology Trust

Bad Decisions Facilitator's Guide

The Long Way Home Male Book 1

Bad Decisions! Instructions for Facilitators How to use this Facilitator's Guide LEARNER-GENERATED MATERIALS ("LGM") A Shellbook is not a normal textbook. It is an educational resource framework developed by topic experts. Educators use these "learning shells" to help students develop and "micropublish" their own teaching and learning materials, for their own use. The Shellbook Method: Patterned Oral Paraphrase (POP) Educationally, the most inclusive Shellbooks are illustrated stories -- or case studies like the one in this shell -- that use a sequence of pictures without text to guide discussion about a topic. The teaching method used is called "Patterned Oral Paraphrase" or "POP". When facilitators use the POP method to localize a Shellbook, everyone in a community can get involved, whether they have attended school or not, even if they can't read. Here's what POP means: "Patterned" - A POP facilitator uses a sequence of special illustrations to guide discussion about a topic. This is called "memory patterning". First the facilitator talks about what's going on in the story using the illustrations. Then the facilitator talks about the story while pointing to details in each picture. This helps people think about and then remember the most important information when it is time for them to tell or write the story using the pictures. "Oral" - POP works best when the entire localization process is conducted orally. You should only use the Flashcard set when you facilitate a POP session. It's best to learn the material in this Facilitator's Guide before a POP session. Learn from it, and then do your presentation orally. You should only use the Flashcards with notes on the back for yourself. Also, you should not hand out "sample books" with text in them during a POP session. If you use written materials, it will be very difficult for nonreaders and "oral preference learners" to participate. In many settings, you may eliminate the participation of some of the most influential community leaders.

"Paraphrase" - Community facilitators should use memory patterning and oral discussion until community members understand new information thoroughly. Once that has been achieved, community members should be encouraged to paraphrase the concepts in terms that are clear, accurate, and natural in their own language, cultural viewpoint, and peer group. Through the use of POP, a Shellbook can also be adapted to any reading level. For new readers, keep the text simple and short like the sample text displayed in this and other Shellbook "resource editions." For experienced readers, authors may wish to add more text or questions to stimulate the readers' thinking about the topic. ________

Training Materials You Will Find For Each Illustration Each illustration represents a theme that may have training material of any (or all) of the following four types: 1. Things to point out or talk about as you show the picture Memory patterning requires thorough discussion of the key elements within each picture. Sometimes people will have different interpretations of what a picture means. It is good to discuss these, but in the end, the picture must be related back to the designated meaning for that theme. Each picture element should become a reminder for people to talk or write about a crucial point when a story is localized by a community. 2. Sample Questions The questions are designed to be used first by people who are localizing a story. The questions help them to think about ways to best express the story in their own language and cultural viewpoint. Later, the questions help people to understand the meaning of the story and reflect on how it affects them, their families, and others. 3. Something Important to think about Theses are key statements that should be brought into the conversation and discussed thoroughly.

4. Medical & Life Skills Information Related to This Topic There are many other excellent resources available on the topics in this Shellbook. You should study all of those that are provided, and be prepared to bring them into the discussion.

Final Note to Facilitators For the most impact, the learners in each group you lead should write the text for their version of this Shellbook, not you. But you must become one of the "expert resources" who helps to guide them in understanding and discussing the meaning and importance of this story for their own lives.

Male - Bk 1; page 2 DISCUSSION KEY: DECISION-MAKING THINGS TO POINT OUT OR TALK ABOUT AS YOU SHOW THE PICTURE: • • •

Joe just got out of prison on flat release. He's already out of money and wondering what he's going to do. He's just hanging out on the street.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS: • • • •

What kinds of decisions did Joe have to make in prison? Joe is out of prison so he must decide many things. What are some things? What can Joe do to make enough money to live on? How does Joe feel?

SOMETHING IMPORTANT TO THINK ABOUT: •

Joe has to start making decisions for himself now.

Medical & Life Skills Information Related to This Topic Peer Educators, please review any related curriculum and other resources provided for you on this topic, and be prepared to discuss the following: â&#x20AC;˘

Decision-making skills

Male - Bk 1; page 3 DISCUSSION KEY: FRIENDS THINGS TO POINT OUT OR TALK ABOUT AS YOU SHOW THE PICTURE: • •

Joe is with his former dealer. The dealer is handing Joe some drugs.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS: • • • •

What is Joe thinking? Was he looking for his dealer or just didn't know where else to hang out? What is the dealer thinking? What is a real friend?

SOMETHING IMPORTANT TO THINK ABOUT: • •

Many of your old "friends" could care less about you. Drug dealers care about your money, not you.

Avoid manipulative people. When to avoid old friends. Strengthening healthy relationships.

Male - Bk 1; page 4 DISCUSSION KEY: ADDICTION THINGS TO POINT OUT OR TALK ABOUT AS YOU SHOW THE PICTURE: • •

Joe sells the drugs and gets the money back to the dealer. But he didn't sell it all. So he thinks, “I can take a hit now and relax.”

SAMPLE QUESTIONS: • • • •

Do you think Joe is an addict? Are drugs more important than money to an addict? Can an addict use "just a little"? Why was it a bad idea for Joe to score the drugs?

SOMETHING IMPORTANT TO THINK ABOUT: • •

Drug use will destroy your health, especially if you have a chronic illness like HIV. Using drugs can put you back in prison.

AA & NA

Male - Bk 1; page 5 DISCUSSION KEY: OVERDOSING THINGS TO POINT OUT OR TALK ABOUT AS YOU SHOW THE PICTURE: • • • •

Joe was clean while locked up. So his body isn't used to the drugs. He overdoses and passes out on the street. A small pipe is on the ground in front of him. Then he ODs again and again.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS: • • • •

• •

Why did Joe start using drugs again? What will happen to Joe? Could he die? Will he end up back in prison? Joe was smoking crack. Can similar things happen to other drug users? Some people aren't addicted to drugs. But they can't stop doing other things. Give some examples (gambling, writing hot checks, shopping, etc.). What can those actions cause? If you can't stop doing something, is it an addiction? Do addictions give you what you really want or need?

SOMETHING IMPORTANT TO THINK ABOUT: â&#x20AC;˘

An action isn't just a bad habit if it starts messing up your life.

Medical facts about overdosing and harm to your health.

Male - Bk 1; page 6 DISCUSSION KEY: CRISIS THINGS TO POINT OUT OR TALK ABOUT AS YOU SHOW THE PICTURE: • • •

Joe is in a hospital bed. The doctor is angry with him because Joe keeps overdosing and ending up in the Emergency Room. The doctor wonders if Joe is just trying to kill himself. The doctor also wonders if he's wasting his time and the hospital's money trying to help Joe.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS: • • • •

What is a real friend? How would Joe feel about what the doctor said? Are there other reactions he might have? Is the doctor really wasting time and money to save Joe again and again?

SOMETHING IMPORTANT TO THINK ABOUT: •

A wise old saying goes something like this: "Your enemy will tell you pretty lies, but a true friend will tell you the hard truth."

Dealing with personal crisis

Male - Bk 1; page 7 DISCUSSION KEY: CHANGE THINGS TO POINT OUT OR TALK ABOUT AS YOU SHOW THE PICTURE: • • •

Joe is alone in his hospital room. He's thinking about what's happened to him since he got out of prison. He's thinking about the decisions he's made.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS: • • •

Does Joe care about dying? What does Joe think about himself? Can Joe change?

SOMETHING IMPORTANT TO THINK ABOUT: •

The only difference between a rut and a grave is how big they are.

Life skills for risk avoidance (the AA /NA approach).

Male - Bk 1; page 8 DISCUSSION KEY: DETERMINATION (making up your mind to do something) THINGS TO POINT OUT OR TALK ABOUT AS YOU SHOW THE PICTURE: • •

Joe is getting out of the hospital. He's decided that he never wants to come back.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS: • • • •

Why did Joe change his mind? Will he need help? What should he do next? Why is it important to avoid hanging out with old friends who have bad habits?

SOMETHING IMPORTANT TO THINK ABOUT: •

Michael Jordon said, "Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around. Don't give up. Figure out how to climb the wall. Or go through it. Or work around it."

AA & NA

Male - Bk 1; page 9 DISCUSSION KEY: FAMILY THINGS TO POINT OUT OR TALK ABOUT AS YOU SHOW THE PICTURE: • • •

Joe and several family members have gotten into a lot of trouble together in the past. Many of Joe's family members gave up on him after he became an addict and then went to prison. But Joe remembers one aunt who was always really kind to him.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS: • • •

Have Joe's relationships with his family helped him or hurt him? How do you think Joe feels about the family members who have given up on him? How do you think Aunt Lovie will feel about Joe?

SOMETHING IMPORTANT TO THINK ABOUT: •

A family's love can make a weak person strong. Losing that family's love can make a strong person weak.

Family relationships

Male - Bk 1; page 10 DISCUSSION KEY: REACHING OUT THINGS TO POINT OUT OR TALK ABOUT AS YOU SHOW THE PICTURE: • • • •

Joe has gone to see if Aunt Lovie still loves him. She welcomes Joe with open arms. Aunt Lovie has diabetes. She uses a wheelchair because she had to have one leg cut off. Joe tells Aunt Lovie that he just got out of prison..

SAMPLE QUESTIONS: • • • •

Do you think it was hard for Joe to go to see Aunt Lovie? Do you think Joe is worried about how she might feel about him now? Do people who have been in prison sometimes have a hard time relating to family members? Do family members sometimes have a hard time relating to people who have been in prison?

SOMETHING IMPORTANT TO THINK ABOUT: •

Somebody cares about you. Sometimes it's people you don't even know yet. People who really care will help you the right way.

Restoring relationships

Male - Bk 1; page 11 DISCUSSION KEY: SELF-ESTEEM (feeling good about yourself) THINGS TO POINT OUT OR TALK ABOUT AS YOU SHOW THE PICTURE: • • • • •

Joe is raking in Aunt Lovie's yard. He hasn't been able to find a paying job yet. Joe cleans and fixes things around the house for Aunt Lovie. Aunt Lovie cooks for Joe. She pays the bills with her Social Security check. Aunt Lovie appreciates Joe's help.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS: • • •

Is it important for adults to work? How does Joe feel about helping Aunt Lovie? Does Aunt Lovie appreciate what Joe is doing? How does that make Joe feel about himself?

SOMETHING IMPORTANT TO THINK ABOUT: •

"Sometimes the helping hand you need is at the end of your own arm!"

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Honesty helps build good relationships. But tell the truth with love.

Pointers about building self-esteem.

Male - Bk 1; page 12 DISCUSSION KEY: MEDICATIONS THINGS TO POINT OUT OR TALK ABOUT AS YOU SHOW THE PICTURE: • • • •

Joe finally tells Aunt Lovie he has HIV. Joe and Aunt Lovie are sitting at her kitchen table. She shows Joe all the pills she has to take for her diabetes and other medical needs. She also shows Joe how using a pillbox has made it much easier for her to remember what meds to take each time of day.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS: • • • • •

Why is it hard for Joe to tell Aunt Lovie he has HIV? Which is harder to tell someone: "I've been in prison" or "I have HIV"? Since Joe has HIV, does he have to take many medicines? How often? Do you know anyone who uses a pillbox? How do they use it?

SOMETHING IMPORTANT TO THINK ABOUT: •

It's easy to load a pillbox each week. Pillboxes are easier than handling a bunch of bottles 2 or 3 times a day.

How to use a pillbox.

Male - Bk1; page 13 DISCUSSION KEY: TRAGEDY THINGS TO POINT OUT OR TALK ABOUT AS YOU SHOW THE PICTURE: • • • •

Aunt Lovie is dead. She is in a coffin. She's holding flowers and a book (her Bible) that was important to her when she was alive. Joe misses laughing and talking with her at meals. Make sure that people know that "R.I.P." means "Rest in Peace". Some people put that on a gravestone.

SAMPLE QUESTIONS: • • •

How does Joe feel? How did you feel when someone important to you died? Will Aunt Lovie’s death affect Joe? How will it affect him? • Where will Joe live now? • How will he support himself? • Who will care about him like Aunt Lovie did?

SOMETHING IMPORTANT TO THINK ABOUT: • •

Even though Aunt Lovie is gone, she helped Joe learn how to be happy in the free world again. She also helped Joe learn to make good decisions.

Living with grief