Fitting In

A Video-Based
Program About Peer
Relationships and Peer Influences

The message of this appealing new video program, geared toward middle school-aged students, is that you can be part of a group without losing parts of yourself–you don't need to resort to drinking, using drugs, smoking, harmful dieting, stealing, purposely failing, or belittling others to fit in or feel good. It is accompanied by a twenty-four page resource guide that provides:

• Background information and leader's notes that offer additional facts.
• Questions that help stimulate group discussion with students.
• Suggestions for integrating the program into several curricular areas.
• Classroom activities and handouts to complete and/or take home.

The Fitting In video is the core of the peer pressure program. The story centers on Mike, a likable and social teenager who sets out to discover how kids can fit in without giving in to risky behaviors. We follow Mike through the school day as he encounters tough situations young people in America confront frequently.

Throughout the video, open-ended scenarios are presented to serve as springboards for group discussion. The facilitator is encouraged to stop the tape after each scenario to lead program participants through discussions based on questions listed in the resource guide. The facilitator may opt to offer three supplemental, "Take It Further" sessions on "Positive Peer Pressure, Feeling Peer Pressure, and Making Decisions."

Program Objectives:

After viewing the Fitting In video, participating in class discussion sessions, and completing the three supplemental activities, students will be able to:

• identify the aspects of peer pressure to which they may be susceptible.
• understand the risks and consequences involved in decision-making to help them develop better problem-solving skills.
• list steps to take when rejected by a group.
• recognize the positive aspects of peer pressure.
• understand the legal, social, and moral implications of breaking the law.
• list alternatives to giving up values to fit into a group.

How To Obtain A Copy For Your School

Although the suggested retail value of this video is $149.95 , if you are a teacher, counselor, or administrator of a middle school, you may obtain one for classroom use at no cost (pending availability). We do this with our own funds and by identifying corporations and foundations willing to help with the reproduction costs in their area. To request a copy, please click here to complete the order form.

What Others Are Saying About Fitting In

"The videos, In A Flash and Fitting In were reviewed by middle school counselors. They agreed that these would be great resources for both middle level and senior high school counselors.

School counselors work with students on social issues in both classroom-sized groups and small counseling groups. The issues of gun violence and peer pressure are hot topics for our young people. These well-produced videos will provide an attention-getting introduction that should lead to productive discussions and maybe save a life."

"This video and its support manual provide valuable insights into the pressures adolescents face from their peers. The situations portrayed on the video are reflective of the real life experiences many adolescents face. Both the video and support materials also challenge their teen viewers to develop strategies to resist the negatives of peer pressure."

Rowland L. Savage, NCC, LCPC
Coordinator
Office of Guidance & Counseling Services
Baltimore County Public Schools

"I have just used this program...with my seventh grade students during our Tuesday S.A.V.E. lessons. The kids were very positive about the video and material they received. Some of the kids stated that the video was 'Cool!' and up to date. While the video was on, I observed the students, and felt that the majority of them were very interested in the material on the video. The six different scenarios, and the questions that were provided are outstanding."

Pete R. Davola
S.A.V.E. Officer
Community Relations Division
Yukon Police Department
Yukon, Oklahoma

"I was very impressed with both of the videos. The production quality is excellent. This is important as adolescents today are very experienced and sophisticated when it comes to videos and anything less than broadcast quality will not be taken seriously. The actors are believable and I think that adolescents will be able to relate to them. I particularly like the way the videos stop and ask the audience to make a decision or discuss an issue. This is crucial in getting them involved in the video presentation and helping them to assimilate the ideas and apply them to their personal context."

Martin H. Ritchie, Ed.D.,LPC
Professor and Chair
The University of Toledo
Dept. of Counseling & Mental Health Services

"We appreciate these videos, and your organization's commitment to safe, secure and peaceful schools. The videos have been well received by our middle school students, and have led to meaningful classroom discussions. They are great catalysts to students and educators dealing with real problems and real solutions."

Stefan Sisman
Counselor & Title IV Safe Schools Coordinator
Ocean View School District
Oxnard, California

"The high quality videos provide valuable information to students using real issues and role plays. The messages are delivered in ways that connect with today's students. ...The MSCA board was very enthusiastic about the videos."

Therese Bright, President
Maryland School Counselor Association