Real Life Teens

Gr 8 Up—Teens address communication gaps that occur between students and their teachers and school counselors as well as the challenges faced by teachers and counselors. High school students express their opinions and share personal experiences related to the topic. The opening music and graphics will appeal to the intended audience, but the program only provides basic information and tends to avoid major issues and solutions. Two experts, an associate professor of sociology and a school counselor, offer limited advice and input. Among the topics covered are the need for school counselors, the challenges teachers face, how students can relate to and get along with their teachers, how to facilitate communication between student and teacher, parents' expectations, the importance for students to show an interest in their classes, and more. The teacher's guide offers pre- and post-viewing activities. Since the program mainly features teens' perspectives, it could be used to jumpstart classroom discussion. An additional purchase.—Linda M. Teel, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC