Welcome to JJohnny Press.
We may be small, but we're brimming over with big ideas!!

Books:
Let's Talk!
Emergency Lesson Plans
Classroom Jukebox
Classroom Jukebox 2
A Teacher's Notebook
REELTALK 1 & REELTALK 2

Order & Purchase Info
Quantity Discounts
Distribute JJ Products
Feedback Form
About Jivin' Johnny
Home

Purchase with Cheque or Money Order or

Pay by check or money order

Introducing Jivin' Johnny's Let's Talk!...'Learning through discussion.'

Let's Talk! gets great reviews!

"Talking to teenagers can be a frightening experience for an inexperienced teacher or youth leader. This discussion book of over 40 topics is a tool that anyone working with youth should have in their library. Highly Recommended. ****/4."

– CM Magazine: Canadian Review of Materials (September 1, 2006)

"Let's Talk! is designed to build confident speakers and respectful listeners through a stimulating exchange of ideas, opinions and shared feelings. The discussion questions are perfect prompts for both drama and writing. Additionally, it marries well with all areas of the Ontario language curriculum."

– EFTO Voice: Elementary Teachers' Federation of Ontario (Summer 2006 issue)

"When I first skimmed the book, I was looking for ideas to help me get to know my new Grade 5 class. The first section is a natural entry point for getting-acquainted ideas: If you were an animal, fish or bird, what would you be and why? Intermediate and highschool teachers will find topics that expand the thinking of their students, such as: What should be the role of the United Nations in the world today? Do we need a world government?... Whether you are a novice or an experienced teacher, elementary or secondary, Let's Talk! is an accessible guide to discussion in the classroom."

– Professionally Speaking: The Magazine of the Ontario College of Teachers (December 2007)

 

Here's a good book designed to get a small or large group thinking, feeling...and talking about important things from the wide world around them and from each of their own personal observations about everyday life. Discussion-promoting questions and personal situations help students explore over 40 topics...from School, Dating, Love and Marriage to Science, Society, Civilization and the Media. Click here to order Let's Talk! Our pre-publication field testing (with elementary and high school students, community college classes and mental health therapy groups) informs us that the book ‘works’ in all the best ways: - spawning a multitude of opinions and ideas - engaging students of all abilities to speak out and participate - inducing shy people to speak in front of others - promoting creativity, new thinking, tolerance, empathy and understanding - promoting important skills such as defining, clarifying and ‘really listening’ - spurring students on to continue the discussion in their writing afterwards - developing and honing oral abilities and thinking skills ...and, as a bonus, - promoting a lot of fun in the bargain! Says one participant: “I really enjoyed the opportunity of meeting and listening to other people, and having the chance to express my own ideas and feelings. The wide variety of social topics we discussed were interesting and relevant to our daily lives. These sessions have been very enlightening; they help me feel relaxed, and yet I think they encourage each of us to explore the possibilities and challenges in life in a positive way. In these sessions we have learned from each other.” Another participant asserts: “These discussion sessions have helped me with my self-esteem. I’m not as scared to talk as I was before, even in conversations with my family, friends or doctors.” Check out what others have said about Let’s Talk!, look at the Table of Contents below, then try the Sample Lesson with a group of your own. We hope you’ll be pleasantly surprised at just how easily and effectively an informal discussion group can change your students’ ideas and attitudes about school, ‘public speaking’ and themselves. "If we want a better world, Let’s Talk!" Scroll Down for Table of Contents, Reviews and Field-Testing Feedback.
TABLE OF CONTENTS for Jivin' Johnny's Let’s Talk! -- Learning through discussion Acknowledgments ........................................................................................... 2 Greetings! ........................................................................................................ 3 Using Let’s Talk! for Maximum Learning ........................................................ 4 Let’s Talk! in Small Group Discussions .......................................................... 6 Let’s Talk! in a Class Discussion .................................................................... 7 Let’s Talk! in Panel Discussions ..................................................................... 8 Let’s Talk! in Oral Presentations & Impromptu Speeches ............................... 9 Let’s Talk! in Formal & Informal Debates .................................................... 10 Let’s Talk! with Writing & Projects .............................................................. 11
1 -- TALKING ABOUT YOU Let’s talk about Getting Acquainted . 14 Family ...................... 16 Growing Up ............. 18 School ..................... 20 Friendship ................ 22 2 -- TALKING ABOUT COUPLES Let’s talk about The Sexes ... 26 Dating ...................... 28 Love ........................ 30 Marriage................... 32 Parenting ................. 34 Divorce ................... 36 3 -- TALKING ABOUT INSIDE Let’s talk about Creativity ... 40 Dreams .................... 42 Our Secret Lives ...... 44 Morality ................... 46 Honesty ................... 48 4 -- TALKING ABOUT OUTSIDE Let’s talk about Society ....... 52 Freedom ................... 54 War .......................... 56 Death ....................... 58 Nature....................... 60 Click here to order Let's Talk!	5 -- TALKING ABOUT DAILY LIFE Let’s talk about Daily Life .......... 64 Work ......................... 66 Money ....................... 68 The Law .................... 70 Sports ....................... 72 Travel ........................ 74 6 -- TALKING ABOUT THE ARTS Let’s talk about The Arts ..... 78 Music ........................ 80 Books ....................... 82 TV ............................ 84 Movies ..................... 86 7 -- TALKING ABOUT THE MODERN WORLD Let’s talk about Communication .... 90 The Media ................ 92 Science .................... 94 Choices .................... 96 Survival .................... 98 8 -- TALKING ABOUT THE PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE Let’s talk about Our Country 102 History ..................... 104 Civilization.. .............. 106 The World ............... 108 The Future ............... 110 Index .................................. 112

Reviews -- Hot Talk about Let’s Talk!

***** "Let’s Talk! is provocative and rewarding, with condensed wisdom, serving as a useful handbook for organizing discussions and encouraging learning in various settings.
The clear-cut structure of two sections makes the book easy to read and use. The first part contains tips for discussions and practical strategies in different situations, while the second part includes all the topics, questions and scenarios for discussion...Undoubtedly these questions and scenarios will arouse students’ interests to talk as the issues are so close and authentic to their life. Meanwhile, it is certainly a good educational experience for kids to share knowledge and perspectives, fostering mutual communication, understanding, inclusiveness and tolerance of different perspectives.
Equally important, the discussions advocated by the author are good for students’ mental health. Some sensitive topics in the book such as single parent remarriage, sex issues, and moral questions may relate to many students. Discussing those issues frankly and openly will strengthen the students’ mind, prepare them for a complex society and ultimately enable them to face problems squarely and wisely.
Picking up this innocent-looking and inviting book can get people talking."
- Education Review

***** "Thank you for Let’s Talk! I am concerned about the well-being of our children and youth and therefore, always appreciate helpful resources."
- Mayor James K. Hahn, City of Los Angeles

***** "Thank you for your book Let's Talk!: Learning through Discussion. You were very thoughtful to include me in the distribution of this work"
- Hillary Rodham Clinton, U.S. Senate

***** "California continues to thrive because of the involvement and commitment of its people, and I appreciate the suggestions of individuals like you who understand that our children are our future leaders. By working together, we can achieve excellence in our Golden State."
- Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, State of California

Click here to order Let's Talk!

***** "A user friendly guide that helps students express their thoughts and ideas. Ensuring participation and understanding, Let’s Talk! also enhances students’ analytical skills and thinking capabilities.
Each situation in each chapter contains small practical examples, representing a situation which children can relate to with ease. This develops better understanding of the topics being discussed and helps children answer the questions that follow.
This comprehensive guide can be consulted by teachers to increase the enthusiasm of the students in their class. The best part about this guide book, however, is that it does not necessarily require a teacher. Students can very well choose a topic and start a discussion on their own."
- The Dawn, Pakistan’s most widely circulated English language newspaper

***** "I applaud you for creating this unique and innovative classroom tool."
- Hon. Pat Binns, Premier of Prince Edward Island

***** "Let’s Talk! represents just one more way to actively involve our children in the learning process. Thank you!"
- Governor Dave Freudenthal, State of Wyoming

***** "Definitely a tool that schools and youth organizations will find helpful."
- Hon. Garfield Dunlop, Ontario M.P.P., Simcoe North

***** "Let’s Talk! stimulates discussion on a number of pertinent issues which the youth of our country are presently grappling with. The topics covered have universal appeal and many of them are especially relevant to our multi-cultural society."
- Hon. G.N.M. Pandor, Minister of Education Republic of South Africa

***** "I would like to commend you on your efforts to provide children with quality education, and in encouraging students to think critically about their world. Discussion in the classroom is an important means of learning, and one that is essential to improving knowledge, understanding and tolerance."
- Hon. Andrew Thomson, Saskatchewan Minister of Learning

***** "An excellent resource. A book to promote conversation with students of all ages."
- Office of Mayor Dave Bronconner, City of Calgary

***** "A great piece of work! Absolutely incredible!! We are certainly going to try to incorporate the material in your book in our program next year and will be in touch re: ordering."
- Ontario community college instructor

***** "Governor Locke is a strong supporter of educational activities that honor our culturally diverse population. Your comprehensive list of stimulating discussion topics for 6th to 12th graders is an admirable effort to promote communication among our youth."
- Office of Governor Gary Locke, State of Washington

***** "Thank you for Let’s Talk! It is important for students to explore interest-arousing questions and real-world situations."
- Hon. Peter Bjornson, Manitoba Minister of Education, Citizenship & Youth

***** "Educational material that benefits students’ oral and social skills."
- Office of Commissioner Jim Horne, Florida Department of Education

***** "Communication is key to education in formal areas of education and in life itself. As an aid to teachers struggling to reach and inspire their students, and even to those simply looking for a creative approach, I haven’t any doubt Let’s Talk! will prove its value."
- Hon. Paul DeVillers, M.P. for Simcoe North

Click here to order Let's Talk!

***** "Your innovative approach to reaching children is refreshingly applicable. Effective learning does take place in an atmosphere of positive interaction and you have provided an easy-to-use tool for educators as well as others who work with children.
I applaud your effort, your creativity and your passion for young people. Thank you for sharing your work with us."
- Coordinator of Guidance and Counseling, Tennessee Department of Education

***** "Looks great! I will definitely be using Let’s Talk! in my grade 10 and 11 learning strategies classes next year."
- Newmarket, Ontario Special Education teacher

***** "Will help pupils in learning English more actively."
- Minister of Education, Culture & Science, The Netherlands

***** "Dr. Nelson believes that it is important for young people to acquire effective communication skills which will enable them to make the most of their education, employment and training opportunities later in life. Students need to be exposed to a wide variety of literacy skills, including effective oral communication.
The resource you have produced, Let’s Talk!, is commendable in seeking to promote children’s confidence in oral communication and their social skills."
- Office of Hon. Dr. Brendan Nelson, Minister for Education, Science & Training,
Government of Australia

***** "Thank you for Let’s Talk! I know it will be utilized for the benefit of our children. May you continue to serve as an instrumental figure by providing insight and advice to benefit the young and old. I wish you continued success as an educator and writer."
- Governor Bob Riley, State of Alabama

***** "I look forward to adding the thought-provoking ideas in Let’s Talk! into
my lesson plans. I can see a number of the scenarios within the ‘Choices,’ ‘Friendship,’ ‘Work’ and ‘Honesty’ sections being of particular use in generating discussions within my Grade 9 Learning Strategies classes."
- Barrie, Ontario high school teacher

***** "The welfare of children and families has been a top priority during my
Administration. I speak with young people quite often, and as a longtime educator, you know how satisfying those conversations can be as we educate, inspire curiosity, and bring out the best that is within each child.
I appreciate your thoughtfulness and wish you continued success as you promote quality education, tolerance and self-expression through speaking and writing opportunities, and good citizenship."
- Governor Bob Wise, State of West Virginia

***** "Manitobans and Canadians alike hold a deep-seated sense of pride in
their education. It is fresh and innovative ideas such as yours that keep this sense of pride as strong as it is today.
Efforts such as Let’s Talk! are incredibly important in maintaining not only the strong sense of community but also the richness of the education system in Canada."
- Office of Hon. Gary Doer, Premier of Manitoba

***** "The simple philosophy behind the Let’s Talk! program — that learning should be fun —should not be underestimated. The power of ‘doing’ and learning through real-life scenarios is considerable.
Engaging students through innovative discussions around a broad range of issues can help equip students with the communication and thinking skills they need to survive and thrive in the community and workplace of the future."
- Ms. Cathie Maguire, Acting Adviser Office of the Minister of Education, Science & Training Government of Australia

***** "Your books make a wonderful contribution to many, many new teachers — and, as importantly, to tired teachers ‘mired’ in midstream. These books offer common sense...with a twinkle!!! What a super thing you have done!"
- William ‘Wild Bill’ Hunter, Jivin’ Johnny’s English teacher from his own highschool days in the 1950s  

Click here to order Let's Talk!

“Our Let’s Talk! sessions allowed me to focus on the end of the week when I’d have a constructive event with people in a group and interesting topics of discussion.” - Adult mental health outpatient

“The participation says it all: our clients love these sessions! The book would also be great for a family at a cottage, or when everyone’s sitting around together on a Saturday night.” - Mental health nurse clinician

Sound good? And there are over 40 ready-to-serve topics that encourage every student to participate. Get Jivin' Johnny's Let's Talk! working in your classroom or group. Try a sample lesson, then click here to order your copies today!