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For teens, school is usually a hub of activity. It’s where they meet friends, play sports, and get involved with their community. For teens with cancer, being out of school for treatment means missing out on these activities. Returning to school after treatment can be challenging for teens with cancer, as well as their parents, teachers, and peers.
Growing Up Fast is for teens ages 12 and older, in grades 7 and up.
The program aims to prepare teens with cancer and the people in their lives for their successful
return to school. Specifically, the Facilitator’s Guide and the Growing Up Fast video are designed to:
- Present common fears and challenges of teens with cancer returning to school;
- Demonstrate and promote effective coping skills for teens with cancer who are returning to school;
- Sensitize peers and teachers to the wide range of concerns experienced by teens with cancer who are returning to school; and
- Offer information for peers and teachers on how to best relate to teens with cancer who are returning to school.
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The Growing Up Fast school reentry program includes
the Growing Up Fast video,
the accompanying Facilitator's Guide.
Growing Up Fast Video
This video is hosted by cancer survivor Susan Nessim-Kennedy and features interviews
with teens who have returned to school after cancer treatment. The teens in the video
describe a wide range of challenges that they faced during school reentry, as well as
challenges that they continue to deal with. Important age-appropriate information about
cancer is provided, and typical concerns that teens often have about cancer are also
addressed. Length: 14 minutes.
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Facilitator's Guide
This Facilitator’s Guide is meant to provide teachers and parents with the vital information
that they need to assist teens as they return to school after a diagnosis of cancer. The
Guide can also be used as a resource to prepare peers of the teen with cancer for the return
of their classmate to school. By understanding the nature of the illness and associated issues,
teachers, parents, and peers can work to create a supportive classroom environment and ensure
a smooth transition back to school for the teen with cancer.
This 30-page Guide includes the following chapters:
- Introduction. This chapter includes tips for facilitators and describes how the guide can be used.
- Using the Video Growing Up Fast. This chapter contains information about the video and how to use it in a variety of settings. Discussion topics are included for classroom use.
- Medical Information about Cancer. This chapter provides information on common types of cancer and cancer treatment.
- Psychological and Emotional Issues. To foster understanding and support among teachers and peers, this chapter presents information about the psychological and emotional impact of teen cancer and associated issues.
- Academic Considerations. This chapter presents a brief summary of the special education services students with cancer may require.
- Additional Resources. A number of organizations, Web sites, videos, and books are listed in this chapter for additional learning.
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