May/June 2006 issue
3 out of 4 stars
“good for teaching active stress reduction
strategies to children”
Poor Sally! The mean girls at school are making fun of her hair and clothing again, as well as refusing to let her play kickball and tormenting her in the lunchroom. Sally is visibly upset (she literally turns into a bouncing ball of stress), but what can she do? Presenting practical solutions to handling emotional stress caused by peer harassment, Bullying is the first episode in an animated series designed to address a variety of topics that cause stress in kids. First, Sally goes to school counselor Mrs. D’Frazzle, who congratulates Sally for facing her situation and getting help, after which Sally and friends learn how to deal with physical symptoms of stress through physical and mental relaxation techniques, including “belly breathing” exercises and focusing on happy thoughts or fun activities. With these tips under her belt, Sally is able to ignore her antagonists and therefore defuse situations in a positive way. Too simplistic to be a comprehensive guide for handling bullies, this program is nevertheless good for teaching active stress reduction strategies to children, and also includes a Spanish language track and a “counselor’s advice” section for adults. Recommended, overall.
Cover Story - Sunday Edition, Kid’s Stress is a problem and Sally can HELP!
Morning program in 6th largest U.S. Market -- 500,000 viewers -- Interview and LIVE! Stressball Sally appearance. Click here to watch.
5 minute interview with Executive Director of the Red Apple Foundation. Discussion of the significance of stress in the lives of children and families and how Stressball Sally helps create awareness. Click Here to watch.
April 2006, review by prestigious national magazine. “Counselors will find the program most useful."
TEXT: Designed to teach children how to cope with stress, this four-part animated program demonstrates techniques for handling stressful situations. It begins with children bullying Stressball Sally who then blows up like a ball, which leads to more insulting comments. Fortunately, Sally has the courage to go to her school counselor, Mrs. D'Frazzle, who is teaching a stress management group about the physical symptoms of stress as well as stress-reduction techniques. Part two is a lively song that reinforces stress-reduction techniques. The third segment is a dream sequence in which Sally is bullied by a flower and defeats the bully by growing more flowers. In the final segment, designed for parents, two school counselors explain stress and bullying, including stress warning signs, management techniques, and assertiveness and social skills. The animation is colorful and the music is lively. The parts for children are focused and clear with modeling and practice emphasized. Counselors will find the program most useful for stress-management training.
Coverage of our Stress Awareness Workshop to a capacity crowd. The Event was sponsored by Abington Township, the Parenting Center, and The Red Apple Foundation.
Click here to watch.
Photograph with PA State Representative Josh Shapiro
and others.
Photograph with PA State Senators Greenleaf and Wonderling with Wellness Director of YMCA.
Significant article in Sunday edition - Cover Story.
