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TITLES
- The Biggest and Brightest Light: A True Story of the Heart (Robert D. Reed Publishers, 2004)
AWARDS
- National Daily Points of Light Award
- R. David Thomas Child Advocate of the Year Award
- Community Helping Hands Glory Award
GRADES
Children in grades K- 6 will particularly enjoy this presentation.
LENGTH
The program is best presented to groups of children of 100 or less. Groups of two to three classes work best as it allows for more interaction and group dialogue. However, larger groups will be accommodated if necessary.
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PROGRAMS
YOU Have the Light! (for students)
I begin by reading the book to the children. In the story, Amanda receives a fortune cookie. The message comes true when she gives her fortune to someone else. Each child is encouraged to think of ways that they might be able to help someone else. To facilitate this, each child receives a fortune cookie with a special message that helps them to think of ways how they, like Amanda, can make a difference. There is literally not enough time as EVERY child wants to share his or her thoughts on how they can be "the brightest light."A short two minute news video of Amanda and Dr. Malko is then shown. This helps the children identify with Amanda when they realize that Amanda is a real person just like themselves. Seeing both Amanda and Dr. Malko live on television brings these characters in the book to life!
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Following this we do a service learning project (an academic lesson, a community service project, and reflection). This can be customized to your school. This gives the children hands on experience and a first hand view of how you help yourself when you help others. For example, a science lesson is taught about oral hygiene and why people loose their teeth. The children now have a greater understanding of the value and power in putting together hygiene bags for those in need. A community representative then comes to pick up the bags and to acknowledge the efforts of the students. Reflection follows with a discussion of what the students learned, who they helped, and how it made them feel.
Creating a Culture of Character (for educators)
"The workshop with Mrs. Perlyn was wonderful, sincere and moving. It is the first professional development experience I've participated in, where the presenter actually cared about what each individual participant had to say and what they were gaining from being there."
Participating teacher, Miami — Dade County schools
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This is a four to five hour inspirational and informative program for teachers, counselors, and principals to introduce them to service learning projects and books for character education. A thematic unit will be given to each educator. This is a professional development day that is guaranteed to make you laugh, cry, and stay with you forever!
A WORD FROM MARILYN PERLYN
"There are many lessons that I have learned in my lifetime but the most important one was taught to me twenty years ago from my then six-year-old daughter, Amanda. I learned that no matter how old you are, you are old enough to make a difference in someone else's life.
"In a time when volunteerism has become a national effort, it is most important for children to recognize that they have the capability within themselves to make their world a better place. Amanda's shining example of a child's caring may well be the catalyst for other children to understand how their own acts of caring can have a profound impact on both themselves and others. This has been the inspiration for me to write and to share Amanda's story in The Biggest and Brightest Light: A True Story of the Heart. Children have commented that Amanda's beautiful watercolor illustrations vividly tell her story even without reading the book! The book includes a moving foreword by Muhammad Ali.
"My goal is to enlighten children that good things happen when they make the story of this book come alive. No one has ever helped someone else without helping themselves in the process." Through reading, we can educate our children to be not only smarter but also to be better people. We must educate our children's hearts as well as their minds.
"*This lesson and my book are referenced in 12 Simple Secrets Real Moms Know by Michele Borba, Ed.D, recipient of the National Educator Award. See 'Real Mom's Secret 5 — A Mother Who Teaches Values Inspires Character'."
FEES
$450 plus minimal travel expenses for up to 4 sessions. Evening presentations are an additional $200 when booked in conjunction with a full day program. Engagement includes a donation of one book and a Thematic Unit to your school library.
SET-UP AND EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS
Author Visit Checklist/Timetable will be sent with the package of preview books, book order form, etc. Below are the important items.
- Lapel microphone or microphone that is removable from stand
- Three tables for service learning project supplies
- DVD player or LCD projector, screen, and extension cord
- Crayons and markers for students to use
- Bottle of water
AUTOGRAPHING INFORMATION
Books are offered at a discount (varies with number of books ordered) and can be preordered through the Book Order Form. This form should be sent home with students a few weeks prior to presentation date (a reminder can be sent the day before). Once the books have been paid for, books will be shipped directly to the school and will be personalized upon my arrival. Please provide me with a list of the names of the people to whom the books shall be autographed to.
LEARN MORE ABOUT MARILYN PERLYN
Marilyn Perlyn
Maridon Consulting Group, Inc.
7403 Floranada Way
Delray Beach, FL 33446
Phone: 561-495-9494
Alternate Phone 2: 561-350-4202
Alternate Phone 3: 561-495-8484
E-mail: mperlyn@me.com
Websites of Interest:
- Heart of America Foundation
Heroes of the Heart(tm) Gee Whiz Kids™ Award - Stepp'n Up: Shoes for Needy Kids
