SCHOOL DAYS

Who doesn't enjoy show and tell?

Of course everyone fondly remembers those days when someone brought in something fascinating that captured the imagination. However, times have changed and so have teaching methodologies, assessments and standards. Today in schools there is more pressure on teachers to cover material and students to achieve better results on standardized tests. Integrating both the wonder of show and tell (as an enthralling raconteur) with academic accountability, I create and present engaging, interactive and educational programs. My goal is to recreate the magic of show and tell - through my photography, artifacts and anecdotes I open the eyes of my audience to the splendor of the world. Futhermore, I inspire students and exhort them to take advantage of the opportunities that are available to them.

The United States is the world's most multi-ethnic society. This diversity of races and cultures is our greatest attribute as a nation and makes our country unique in the world. In many schools, I see practically the entire world represented within a student body. During my visit, I want those born in this country to realize how much we have in comparison to the rest of the world and that their classmates born in other countries should be respected. Likewise, for those students born outside the U.S.A., I want my program to be an affirmation as to who they are and where they come from. My programs celebrate the cultural diversity of the world.

Programs:

Multi-cultural journeys to Africa, Asia and South America (including the rain forest and Global Studies' Regents Review) are appropriate for grades K-12 and are 45 to 60 minutes. Programs are educational - they enrich curriculum and support the standards mandated by State Education Departments. Slides, artifacts and anecdotes are incorporated to create a unique and enthralling interactive exploration of the world. Programs can be customized (with regard to regions of the world, topics/issues and audience).

Grade 3 Communities of the World: As third-graders begin an exploration of urban, suburban and rural communities around the world, my program complements the New York State Curriculum/Standards. My program contrasts urban and rural communities in Africa, Asia and Latin America (with an emphasis on rural communities), introduces the word culture and shows how people living in rural communities are self-reliant. Slides, artifacts and anecdotes are utilized to educate, motivate and promote multi-cultural awareness and respect.

Grade 5 The Western Hemisphere: Fifth-graders begin an exploration of North America and then venture to Latin America. My program complements the New York State Curriculum/Standards by discussing Latin America as a region, its geography, its history (civilizations of Aztecs, Maya and Incas and the conflicts with the coming of the explorers) and its diverse culture. The program focuses on Mexico, Guatemala, Cuba, Peru, Brazil and Bolivia. The Amazon Rain Forest is included although Jambo Productions provides a separate, more detailed Rain Forest program. Slides, artifacts and anecdotes are utilized to educate, motivate and promote multi-cultural awarenss and respect.

Grade 6 Ancient Civilizations: Sixth-graders explore the ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Rome, India and China. My program focuses on the world's most heralded ancient civilization - Egypt - and can include India and China. I take students on a "journey" to Egypt visiting the Nile River Valley and the famous historical sites (Step Pyramid at Saqqara, Pyramids at Giza and King Tut's Tomb in the Valley of the Kings). Topics discussed include geography (desert, oasis, river valley), religion (polytheism, after life and tomb building) and a brief glance at modern Egypt.

Grade 9 & 10 Global Studies/Regents Review: Beginning with the ancient river valley civilizations (specifically Egypt) and the transformation from Neolithic Times to Paleolithic Times, the program investigates the religious beliefs of the Ancient Egyptians and examines religions of the non-Western world - Hinduism, Buddhism and Islam. Students will "journey" to the sites of these religions and learn how the adherents incorporate these religions into their daily existence (Hindus in Varanasi, India; Buddhists in Southeast Asia; Muslims in Egypt; animists in Sub-Saharan Africa). Additional concepts include cultural diffusion, ethnocentrism, tribalism, nationalism, urbanization and subsistence.

Testimonials:

G3: "We eagerly await Mike's visit each year, not only because he gives a captivating presentation but because of the sincere message he brings with it - Do not judge people by how they look on the outside but by how they are on the inside."
Carol Goldblatt, Faculty, East Hills School, Roslyn SD

"Michael's experience and enthusiasm delighted the children. His message of universal tolerance and the commonality of all people despite outward appearance was very appropriate. He does an excellent job of reinforcing the third grade curriculum and Social Studies Standards."
Susan Horner, Faculty, Norwood Elementary School, Comsewogue S.D.

"This is a letter of recommendation for the spectacular, high-energy, informative program run by Michael Harrold. His natural abiltity to engage an audience was powerful enough to thoroughly entertain our entire third grade class during the last week of school. His program was a perfect culmination to the Third Grade Curriculum."
Mary Marrick, Enrichment Coordinator, Westbury Public Schools

G5: "You are a WONDERFUL teacher. Your program is what education should be all about: Interactive learning - EUREKA."
Nadine Tingir, PTA, Manorhaven School, Port Washington SD

"The children are still talking about your wonderful program. Thank you for helping to make our curriculum come alive."
The Fifth Grade Teachers Plainview-Old Bethpage Middle School

"Mike has a wonderful ability to make the geography and culture of Latin America come alive for students."
Tricia Bock, Principal, Riverside Elementary School, Rockville Centre Public Schools

G6: "Mike seems to bring out the best in many of our students. Some students stated, "This is the first time I have ever enjoyed Social Studies"."
Mae Lane, AP, North Middle School, Brentwood SD

"Anyone who can mesmerize 297 sixth-graders for 1 1/2 hours has to be a miracle worker. Mr. Mike is indeed a miracle worker. Students received an excellent introduction into Egyptian culture."
Paul Czujko, Faculty, JFK Middle School, Comsewogue S.D.

"He brings so much to the table: enthusiasm, mystique, fabulous speaking skills and the motivation to get students to learn more. He
opens the minds of our kids!"
John Hayes, Valhalla Middle School

"He totally captivated his audience with a dynamic style full of movement, humor, colorful attire and foreign expressions. He engaged the children throughout. Also the Social Studies teachers found the material enriching to the curriculum."
Kim Van Keuren, PTA, Valhalla Middle School, Westchester County, NY

G6, 7 & 8: "I heartily recommend Mike's programs as a means by which students can learn about other cultures while having fun."
Adele Barracca, Social Studies Coordinator, Windward School, Westchester County

G9: "There is no doubt that he made a significant contribution to increasing student appreciation and understanding foreign cultures. His enthusiasm was infectious."
Walker Hall, Social Studies Chairperson, Sayville High School

G9 & 10: "His programs are informative, dynamic and well-received by the students and faculty."
Catherine Masrour, Library Specialist, Smithtown High School

G10: "Mike's program is a magical culmination for our 10th grade global studies curriculum and provides a jump-start to the Global Studies Regents Review."
Lauren Stalworthy, G10 Faculty, Patchogue-Medford School District

CREDENTIALS: Michael Harrold graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo, is certified in Secondary Social Studies, is contracted with a stock photo agency in New York and publishes travel stories.

FEES and REFERENCES are available upon request. EMAIL: mrmike@jambopro.com