Prevent Violence With Groark, Program 3: Groark Learns To Listen

• NCJ Number: 158438
• Author(s): A Bar-Lev; D Elkind; M McGee; R McGee; F Sweet
• Date Published: 1996
• Length: 0 pages
• Corporate Author: Elkind and Sweet Communications, Inc.
• Sale Source: Live Wire Media
• Publication Type: Citizen Involvement Material
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS. Color VHS video, 30 minutes

Annotation

This video uses humor, song, puppets, and a ventriloquist to teach children (grades K-5) the importance and techniques of listening.

Abstract

As the video opens, Groark, a dragon puppet, and his ventriloquist friend McGee are putting on a show of comedy and song for a group of children. Groark, however, is preoccupied with an earlier conflict that occurred between himself and his two friends Nubbs and Essie. As Groark begins to explain to the children what happened, a flashback puppet dramatization is portrayed. Nubbs, Essie, and Groark are attempting to choreograph a dance for an upcoming talent contest. While Essie is trying to explain some of the dance movements, Groark is thinking only about the award they will receive if they win the contest; consequently, he is unprepared to follow Nubbs and Essie when they begin to practice the dance. Groark steps on Essie's foot, and both Nubbs and Essie complain that Groark does not listen to what they are saying. Essie and Nubbs become frustrated with Groark and leave; Groark sings a song about losing his friends. After the flashback dramatization, McGee suggests that Groark ask the children to give him some advice about how to deal with his problem. The children discuss the importance of listening to the ideas and feelings of others as the key to cooperation and friendship. They suggest to Groark some listening techniques that include repeating back what others have said so they know he has understood them, asking them questions about their ideas and feelings, and focusing on others instead of himself. Armed with these ideas, Groark rushes to find Essie and Nubbs. After finding them rehearsing their dance, he convinces them that he does know how to listen as he applies his new techniques. The video concludes as Groark returns to the children and McGee to report on the success of his newly applied listening techniques. A discussion guide accompanies the video. For other videos in this series, see NCJ-158436-37 and NCJ-15839-40.