Public School Social Worker

Recently, I was asked to preview a new, innovative program for kids called, I Am 4 Kids.  The program teaches children in grades 2-5 how to build an identity that empowers them to achieve anything they choose to do in their lives.  The mission of  I AM 4 Kids is, “ to teach kids the skills and strategies used by the most successful people in the world in a fun and engaging way while connecting it to core subjects such as Language Arts, Social Studies, Music and Art.”  While that is the program mission, it accomplishes so much more.

Mark Papadas has created a program that teachers, therapists, counselors and youth organization leaders can implement with ease.  I AM 4 Kids program includes a DVD, lesson plans and worksheets.  It also outlines a way for today’s youth to connect with each other via technology, and provides support for ongoing projects (which includes a possible funding source for participants to see their visions materialize).  All of these components make implementation of this program a breeze!

I have been a school social worker for 15 years and am currently employed by a suburban elementary school district. I am also a mother of 3 sons (ages 10, 9 and 6).    As social workers, we try to teach our students to have good self-esteem, set realistic goals and believe you can achieve them.  As parents, we try to teach our children to have dreams.  I AM 4 Kids does all of that by teaching kids to build an identity, make goals and then “go bigger.”  

I AM 4 Kids is unique in that it reaches children at a crucial, developmental time in their lives. The program builds a child’s sense of self -worth while his/her identity is in such a critical, formative stage.  It’s a framework for the adolescent years.

I can imagine the excitement of students building an identity and then connecting with their peers around the nation who may have similar identities and dreams.  What an incredible sense of belonging and self-assurance that would create!

I not only endorse this program, but anxiously await its release so that I can start using it with the students in my district and my children at home.

Sincerely,

Tracy M. Walsh, MSW, LSW