Roger Robbie Discovers Dr. J's Secrets
A Book Of Values for Young Children
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Roger Robbie Meets "Dr.J" (an excerpt from the book)
...Over the next two months, I completed the text and Bob began the illustrations. We met with Ray eight or nine times over the next two months as the book's concept and illustrations evolved. Ray loved our work and stated that Julius was very impressed. Ray arranged a meeting for us with Julius, at the Erving Group's center city condo office, to share our final draft with the two of them.
On the day of the meeting, Bob and I were on pins and needles. Here we were, sitting side by side with the legendary "Dr. J". I started the meeting with a slide presentation, which showed the creative ways our staff incorporated the value words into our daily school activities, and how they were making such a huge difference in the growth and character-building of our students... and how their parents 'caught the wave.'
Just as I'd expected, "Dr. J" was impressed. We then presented him with the completed draft of Roger Robbie Discovers Dr. J's Secrets, and could tell as he turned the pages, chuckling and smiling, that he was pleased with what he saw.
After our presentation, Julius explained that the Erving Group, his private management company, could not be directly involved with our efforts because of his demanding basketball schedule, numerous projects, commitments and family obligations.
However, he stated, because he strongly believed in what we were trying to do for children, he would agree to provide us with a letter of his endorsement for the book, that we might use as we sought out a publisher. He also said - much to our surprise - that he would also pen a message for the book's back cover encouraging children to use the "secrets" in their everyday lives. But that would be the limit of his involvement. This was an un-expected bonus! We were stunned by this gesture. He wished us well. We had to contain ourselves from 'high-fiving' the 'Doc' right then and there!
What next for Roger Robbie?
Roger dreams about going back in time to 1963 to visit Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr.. in his Birmingham jail cell. Roger tells Dr. King about the conflicts some students are experiencing at school and don't quite know how to resolve them.
Dr. King explains to Roger, his principles for resolving conflicts in a peaceful manner and how the students might use them . Dr. King agrees to give the principles to Roger -only if he promises to share them with all he meets - students, teachers, parents and community. Roger promises, thanks Dr. King, and sets out on yet another mission.
They decide to call his principles - in a way young children would understand.........
Six Steps to Friendship
This was another of the creative value's building activities, Herb Rogers used with students over the years with great success.So successful was this strategy, over 85 % of the students having conflicts with each other, and after going through the 'Six Steps' process, seldom had a recurring conflict. Dr.King; the Nobel Peace Prize winner's, principles for resolving conflicts in a peaceful manner ' works for young children .'
For info : class109@aol.com
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About the Book
Parents are rejoicing ! Teachers shouting ! Children Advocates applauding ! ..for this powerful and imaginative book, as a resource to help explain the meanings of twenty-six positive character building values to young children.
Roger Robbie Discovers Dr. J's Secrets, is a superbly illustrated book, intended to help young children learn about many of the positive values, they'll surely need to become successful in school and life. It includes several creative value's building activities to be carried out by students...parents...and teachers.
Roger Robbie,a charismatic, upbeat raccoon , has a dream meeting Julius "Dr. J" Erving . He implores "Dr.J" to share with him the 'secrets' or values he used that made him so great.
"Dr. J" agrees to give Roger 26 'secrets' - if he promises to give them to all he meets...and who will use them every day. Roger promises, and 'seals the deal' with a handshake with the'Hall of Famer' and sets off on his 'mission'.
The'secrets'..Love..Pride..Respect ..Responsibilty..Preparation..Goal-setting..Patience....26 value words in all, are demonstrated by Roger Robbie, each with a four or five line verse.
eg:Determination: You know you can do it , / As hard as it seems , / By not giving up / You'll fulfill many a dream . ( Illustration : Roger Robbie determined to climb a mountain )
Roger Robbie will capture the imagination and attention of even a four or five year old child. They will read it over and over again! As one eight year old stated;" Roger Robbie is just like a big brother. He shows you how to get all 'A's so you can have pride." Then, the three teenagers who chipped in and bought the book because,as they stated: 'We need these messages too!"
Collector's Edition..full color..52 pages
note: permission granted to duplicate pages
Email Author at class109@aol.com
About the Author
Herb Rogers, was blessed with a gift for creating academic and social activities for his students 'dressed up as fun.' From his very first teaching assignment, he incorporated the teaching of positive values into every aspect of his student's school day. This set the 'stage' he would follow throughout his 30 year career as a teacher, principal and consultant in the Philadelphia School District. This 'stage' was conflict and bullying prevention at its best! It paid off in handsome dividends.
His career paths: Brooks Elementary,Shoemaker Jr. High,and Overbrook High Schools,all led to Cheyney, Antioch,and Temple Universities. From day one, he had a "Doctorate in Caring for Children" His motto: "I tend to the needs of my children and parents first....then I try to run my school."
He used this philosophy at the Leidy and Alain Locke Schools as a teacher, and as principal of the Dr. Ethel Allen and Logan Elementary Schools. It was at the Allen School where it all came together. The school's creative value's building student activities were spot-lighted on Peter Jenning's Nightly News, BBC, the McNeil-Lehrer Report, on many local television spots and in local print. It was also here that the 'Sisters Sledge' got started. (google: Sister Sledge)
Retired now for some 15 years, many schools are still using his value's building activities. This book is just one of the out-growths of those creative activities for young children and their parents ,'dressed up as fun.'
Ask any former student or parent about their time under Herb Rogers, and they'll recall "those days of learning ,fun, and values" with fond memories. No wonder test scores and attendance were always up - discipline way down - parents so intimately involved.
When you read the book...you'll see why !
For more info email author at class109@aol.com