"APPA takes great pleasure in endorsing two video resources for upper primary students on Bullying and Belonging. They really are a fantastic resource and should be in every primary school in the nation."  Australia Primary Principals Association

There are currenty two Stories of Us resources in the primary series:

Episode 4: Bullying (Primary)
Episode 5: Belonging

Each resource was produced with a class of students in a different school over a two month period. The students collaborated in brainstorming the subjects, developing characters, workshopping the scripts and performed all key roles in the dramatised series. Every word of dialogue is their own, and every detail approved by the students.

Audience

The primary school series is designed for the upper primary years. At the discretion of their teacher, the resources may also be used with Year 4 students.

Additional Applications

Whilst the videos have been designed as a school resource, the programs also have a number of additional applications due to their realistic portrayal of these difficult issues, with significant input from students. For example, the series could be used as an aid to teacher training and professional development, a tool for psychologists, as well as providing an insight for parents.

Teacher Support

Extensive teacher support material is provided throughout the 40 page Teacher's Guides. Each resource is designed to be used over a number of classes. The Guide provides step-by-step instructions, including notes to assist in summarising video content and questions as discussion starters.

Each question is followed by indicators as to the territory the discussion might explore. In addition, the ‘Additional Teacher Support Information’ sections provide further instructions for teachers along with backup information should any details need clarification.

The Support & Research section lists a number of websites for teachers seeking further information on the issues raised in this program.

Two Versions

There are two versions of the video provided with each Stories of Us resource.

• The Play Version is played without interruption, with a prompt at the end to refer to the Teacher's Guide for questions to begin the discussion. In this version the story is left intentionally unresolved to maximise student engagement in discussing the issues raised.
• The Segmented Version repeats the main program but with a series of pause points (with prompts to refer to Teacher's Guide questions) for a more in-depth discussion. At the end of the second version the main characters tell us in brief interview statements how they resolved their situations - leaving the students with a positive outcome to the sessions.

Previews

A 5 minute preview of each video is available here online.

A preview of each Teacher's Guide can be downloaded from the Bullying (Primary) and Belonging pages.

Ordering

The Order Form and Pricing information are available here online.

Testimonials

This website also provides a growing list of Testimonials from students and education professionals about the Stories of Us resources.