Blackburn Center continues student outreach through videos, virtual lessons

The Blackburn Center is going virtual this year to ensure programs offered at districts across Westmoreland County are still available to students.

Over the summer, members of the Greensburg nonprofit began filming videos to teach kids about topics like bullying, dating violence and sexual harassment. The videos are available to districts across the county and to kids ages 3 through 7 via YouTube. Parent guides also are available.

“When things started to shut down (in the spring), we felt that there was probably a need for children in the home and students in the home to have an outlet for their feelings or some videos that they can think about empathy,” said Kristin Malone-Bodair, education outreach program manager at Blackburn Center.

That’s the main focus of the YouTube series, said Deanna Ferry, education specialist. According to Ferry, videos work to teach kids to notice other people’s feelings and what they can do to help another person who may be feeling sad. Lessons center around children’s books and often involve an activity that will engage viewers.

In school districts, lessons that are now virtual are an extension of a program that was offered in previous years.

“We anticipated, just in case, the schools that we offer primary prevention and education awareness to, that they may not be in session in the fall,” Malone-Bodair said. “We began throughout the summer developing our programs through video and virtual means and offering those to the 15 districts we serve in Westmoreland County.”

Districts are now able to choose between the videos, having members of the Blackburn Center provide online classes or having them attend in-person classes.

The program touches on various topics, which are taught based on grade.

Elementary students typically learn about bullying prevention, personal safety and internet safety beginning in third grade. Students in junior high focus on healthy and unhealthy dating relationships and an introduction to sexual harassment. Junior high and high school students both learn about media literacy and human trafficking.

At the high school level, students will learn about dating violence, sexual harassment, sexual assault law and consent.

“Some of the districts are very excited about the videos and are giving good feedback,” said Malone-Bodair. “So we really tried to adhere to a professional level in terms of what we’re giving to schools in the area and making those available.”

According to Ferry, it typically takes two weeks to produce a video. Both Ferry and Malone-Bodair said they plan to continue making videos as an additional form of outreach.

“It has been a nice offering, people seem to like them,” Ferry said. “They’re good to go for different reasons.”

More information on both programs can be found on the Blackburn Center’s website, blackburncenter.org.