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BY
ALAN GOOD
Lucan - "We are broadcasting live from
your school," began Benny DL sitting
at radio station ATFM's remote table. During
his show, the DJ talked to someone via satellite
feed and fielded phone calls from listeners.
In reality, Benny is
Bruce Langford, a music teacher for the
last 16 years. His 'show' got his message
across to students. The point made last
week while at Lucan Public School was; Stand
Up For Respect.
It follows on the heels
of another message he urged last year in
a similar format; Stand Up Against Bullying.
This lively entertaining, definitely informative
show seized the attention of the students.
ATFM stands for A Time
For Music.
The faux radio program
drew the students into a state of listening
that caused them to remember its theme.
To demonstrate, |
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Langford
went into the audience several times offering
prizes to kids who answered correctly on what
they'd seen in his unique show.
Music videos, including
one of Rocket Head, which featured Langford's
head flying around the screen talking to students,
brought meaning of respect to the kids.
' Studio audience' participation
came via lively songs and role playing. The
songs were written by Langford who is on leave
from the school board.
Kids, growing up on music videos, were mesmerized
by the fast-paced action before them.
After the show was over,
students received an activity book and DVD.
Those who participated in the role playing
received a special thank you from Langford
and gifts.
An alternative format which
features videos, discussion, questions and
answers, and role play, is offered to the
older kids.
Langford began the programme
in 2003 after becoming frustrated |
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with
seeing kids left out or bullied and feeling
his hands were tied. One particular student,
lonely because of a speech impediment, became
the first to be in a music video.
Since then, ATFM has been
taken to Mississauga, Hamilton, Kitchener
and Ottawa, as well as many schools in London
and area. Sponsored in part by Thames Valley
School Board, accolades come from several
well known groups.
The next project being
created involves a series of videos about
Canada. Bruce has videotaped himself in all
the provinces and plans to teach kids about
our country. A date for its launching is not
set. |
