Originally Posted By beamerdog Next week I'll be giving a demonstration with Jackson in front of 150 kindergarten kids. Canine Partners wants me to show their little film and I will be doing a demo of Jackson picking up his leash, paper, bowl, a long down stay far away from me, walking through a path of hot dogs, and doing a "go Pay" with dollar bills. Then I'll take questions. Does anyone have suggestions? Personally I would like to skip the film, but I'd probably get in trouble. Do you think that seeing it last would be best? I've done tons of public speaking, but nothing like this.
Originally Posted By wonderingalice I'd definitely show the film first so that you and Jackson are the memorable "dessert" of the presentation. Five year old children are going to be a great audience for you two... they'll be enthralled by Jackson and the skills you run him through. Just do what comes naturally - they're gonna love you!
Originally Posted By LPFan22 I agree with showing the film first. You'll be showing them the highlights afterwards. It will be more memorable for the little cuties. Take a deep breath and have fun!
Originally Posted By csgoofygirl I've done some Kindergarten demonstrations. Questions are always . . . interesting. A lot of times they don't know the difference between a question (How old is your dog?) and a comment (I have a dog named Dexter.) And they ALL like to share, so be prepared. It will be FUN!
Originally Posted By disney pete you and jackson will do just fine which ever way you do it im sure Beamer.
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Hey, enjoy. I would start with the vid, then go to the good stuff. Also do not be surprised if a few kids are scared or touchy. But enjoy!
Originally Posted By beamerdog The video is for adults, but I'm sure the kids will be looking at Jackson on stage if they get bored My kids are grown and I don't have grandkids, so I have a few questions about 5-6er's: Do they understand what an amusement park ride is or should I just say DisneyWorld or just skip it? I was thinking of having one kid help with the go pay and pretend to be the cashier, but I'm leaning on having one of the teachers do it. Opinions? How long (or short) of a presentation should I do with Jackson before breaking for questions? I'm going to demo things that have the dog moving and stopping, moving and stopping. I think that the more I showcase Jack, the happier everyone will be. I have some thoughts about explaining Jack's medical alert ability, but do you all have any suggestions? I don't expect them to understand the particulars, but I usually explain it by saying that he knows I'm going to get sick before I even do. Or should I just skip it? I may not have time, anyway, and I'm thinking it's way over their heads. Thanks for all your encouragement. The youngest group I've done is 3rd grade
Originally Posted By csgoofygirl I think most kids know about DisneyWorld and amusement parks (what ever is in your area, they've probably to one). I think they will love watching Jack do the things he can do. If you notice them getting "squirmy" you can move on to the next thing. I'd love to come watch your presentation!
Originally Posted By mater4 My DH does demonstrations for schools with his police dog. For the younger kids he usually sticks with a 10-15 min speech and answers questions aside from any "tricks" he can do. I think it is good to tell the kids what Jack's job is including the medical alert ability. A lot of them should understand. My 5 year old surprises me all the time with what he knows. Have a fun time with your presentation.
Originally Posted By LVBelle Welcome to my world! One thing I suggest to to set some ground rules before you start. All kids should be sitting "criss cross applesauce on their pockets." Let them know that Jackson needs for it to be quiet so it is important that they stay quiet. If they get too excited and start getting up off their bottoms or getting noisy, stop what you're doing and wait for them to be ready. And most kiddos won't know the difference between a question and a story so be prepared for many stories! Perhaps give examples of questions or question words first. If you would like to have a student demonstrate, let a teacher pick a student, they'll know which ones can handle following directions and which ones can't! And have fun! Kinder kids are SO cute and curious!
Originally Posted By FiveBearRugs <<LVBelle: All kids should be sitting "criss cross applesauce on their pockets.">> LOL!!! I've never heard that before! I like that..."criss cross applesauce on their pockets"...where did you come up with that?
Originally Posted By Sara Tonin When my DGS was about five, he and I decided that the best way for him to stay out of trouble and not get blamed for stuff his sisters started was to sit down "criss cross applesauce" and smile. He looked kind of crazy the first few times with that stiff smile, but it helped him decellerate and kept him from getting yelled at.
Originally Posted By FiveBearRugs Criss-cross applesauce...criss-cross applesauce...lol...that's fun to say! Criss-cross applesauce...criss-cross applesauce...
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo But I do not understand the applesauce business, what is that about? It sounds messy.
Originally Posted By Sara Tonin Messy or not, it rhymes! Young children love it when stuff rhymes. Sincerely, Sticky Vicki
Originally Posted By davewasbaloo Oh, so there is no metaphore about pretending there is applesauce in your pockets so stop it leaking out? Sadly I have lived in the UK too long where this stuff is seen as too silly (it's a shame, kids grow up too quick over here). Dave the Rave, had a real close shave
Originally Posted By mickeymeg lol, I keep seeing the title for this thread and reading it as Scary- 155 year olds. Then thinking about scary looking old people =) This sounds like a great presentation, I am sure the itty bitties will love it. I agree with what others have suggested with doing the boring video first and then ending with the good stuff. We also tell our Brownies to sit 'criss cross applesause' all the time. They think it is pretty funny.
Originally Posted By csgoofygirl I went to a cheerleading camp as a chaperone several years ago, they said: Take a seat. Take a seat. Take a load off your feet. Rooty-Tooty Sit on your booty. Probably not appropriate for Kindergartners.
Originally Posted By mater4 My kids criss -cross applesauce too. When they need to keep quiet the teachers tell them to put a bubble in their mouth.
Originally Posted By tinkerbell1962 When I feel a bit creative I "mix up" my sauces. Sometimes they sit criss-cross spaghetti sauce, banana sauce, mashed potato sauce, it goes on and on. And yes, when you need their attention just get real quiet. Bubble in the mouth works too. Oh, and the louder they get, the quieter I become. It's amazing how a whisper can quiet a crowd of 5 year olds.
