Kids learn about anti-bullying at Casey and The Bully Busters
COSHOCTON – Kids at the Coshocton Public Library made a few new friends on Tuesday, July 15 when they met Casey, Joe Anne, Susie, Leroy, and the custodian at Casey and The Bully Busters program.
Casey Claxon started the program three years ago after being invited to play music and sing at a school program. Claxon didn’t get the reaction he was hoping to get from the young students, so he adapted his music to a script and he and his mother, Joe Anne Claxon, created new friends that children could relate to. There is Susie, a little girl starting classes at a new school, a cat named Leroy, and a custodian at the school. The three interact with Joe Anne as the voice, to create an anti-bullying message for pre-school children.
“I think we need to have programs like this for younger people,” said Casey. “There are a lot of programs geared toward middle and high school kids, but I think you need to have something for preschool-aged kids.”
The show is sponsored by Jones Metal Products Company in West Lafayette and will soon be premiering in Licking County with The Energy Cooperative as its sponsor.
At the end of the 30-minute puppet show, Casey gave away a Casey and The Bully Busters bag filled with information and other goodies.
“Our main message is to empower children to speak up if they see bullying or if they are being bullied,” said Casey.
The Coshocton Public Library purchased books on bullying in honor of Casey’s program. They are available to check out at the library.
beth@coshoctoncountybeacon.com
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