CHOICE - Program
CHOICE is a 10-module, interactive program for middle and high school students conceived and presented by Eric James, M. Ed.
A continuation of the Hip Hop Healthy Heart Program for Children, this high-energy program addresses the needs of middle and high school students. Comprehensive and curriculum-based, CHOICE aligns to state and national standards while delivering a fun, eye-opening experience that inspires today’s youth to take a journey of self-discovery.
CHOICE offers participants a 10-module step-by-step roadmap for improvement and growth that leads them to a lifetime of enhanced self-esteem. Students are encouraged to take responsibility for their actions, to become familiarized with good character traits, to emulate positive role models and to become good citizens with high moral values. This systemic approach unwraps buried potential and provides students with the determination to cease being a product of their circumstances and instead become a product of CHOICE. Each week, students are introduced to a new commitment in which they will use standards based curriculum and activities to master the concepts.
The Curriculum Includes:
(1) COMMITMENT: 5 hours – Goals, dreams, and values.
(2) COURAGE: 5 hours – Peer pressure and gang activity.
(3) HABITS: 5 hours – Time management & planning.
(4) OBSTACLES: 5 hours – Problem solving.
(5) IMAGINE: 5 hours – Dreams, Risk factors, and avoidance skills.
(6) CHARACTER: 5 hours – Understanding your rights and enhancing positive behavior.
(7) EVALUATE: 5 hours – Emotional intelligence and preventive factors.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon completion of the program, students will:
(1) Understand what it takes to become a person of integrity.
(2) Know the principles involved in making sound decisions.
(3) Apply the processes of moral reflection and reasoning.
(4) Demonstrate respect, empathy, care and concern towards others.
(5) Demonstrate actions that reflect active and responsible citizenry.
(6) Have the desire to accept, initiate and harness change.
(7) Have a sense of bonding and commitment to themselves and the community.
Program Delivery:
Currently Eric James is presenting the program at middle and high schools throughout the U.S. Future plans include producing an on-line IPTV (Internet Protocol TV) production of CHOICE accessible nationwide for in-classroom and group presentation.
“No one should ever underestimate the resiliency of the human heart. I had the courage to follow my dreams never giving up on myself. Motivation, fortitude, and a strong belief in self are absolutely critical when trying to attain your goals. I am glad to say, “I am a product of CHOICE.”
~ Eric Antuan James, Creator of CHOICE,
Shape Up US Director of Secondary and High School Programs.
