Everybody has ups and downs in life, but sometimes they’re harder to understand for young children, and therefore sometimes harder for them to make the right decisions. That’s where NED the Yo-Yo guy comes into play. He is a cartoon character that has become “America’s most popular school assembly,” that with some fun yo-yo tricks, teaches kids how to be a champion in school and life. He teaches them to “Never give up, Encourage others, and Do your best – NED” and he does it all through the use of yo-yos. In fact, the program has proven so effective, NED has even performed at the White House.
NED and his handler have been to Eagle Grove many times over the years. He was sad when he couldn’t come last year because of COVID, but they found a way to make it work this year, thanks to an app that many of us have come to use over the course of the pandemic – Zoom. NED zoomed from Michigan with the students in Eagle Grove on Tuesday, April 6.
NED and his handler talked to the kids about two specific things.
1. Choose a good attitude.
2. Do the right thing.
Throughout the assembly, the handler told the kids how NED woke up that morning with a bad attitude. He didn’t want to take time to talk with the kids of Eagle Grove Elementary, so he went to a circus, and Paris, and rode on a Ferris wheel, and did all kinds of things. As NED went on his adventure, the handler illustrated his trip using yo-yos and tricks. The kids laughed and clapped and cheered as he performed one amazing trick after another.
“How does he do that,” many of the students in Ashley Flatebo’s first-grade class kept asking.
They were watching the yo-yo, but they were learning from NED’s bad choices and bad attitude.
“NED always learns from his mistakes,” his handler told the kids when he messed up one of his tricks.
As the presentation continued, NED wanted his handler to ask the kids, “How many of you believe you can be a champion at something?”
All the kids in Flatebo’s room raised their hands – and you could hear the other kids in nearby rooms cheering with excitement, saying “me” or “yeah.”
“Well, champions set good goals and treat people right along the way,” said the handler.
It was obvious to see the children had inspired to bring out the best in themselves so they could be like NED…and they also wanted to be able to do yo-yo tricks like him too. Now they have the mindset to know they can, if they practice and strive to become better every day and be a champion in life.
NED visited Eagle grove absolutely free of charge to the school district. This was made possible by “Paying it forward.” You see, after NED visits a school, children have the opportunity to purchase yo-yos and accessories at a very low cost. However, there is absolutely no obligation to do so. Any money raised from the sale of yo-yos at school, or on their website at www.thenedshow.com, go directly back into sponsoring the next free show NED performs.
You’ll also find a number of other great things on this website for your student to continue learning and having fun. There are free educational videos, “Reading Ranger,” music videos to help kids prepare for tests and more. There’s also a parent section that offers free downloadables like encouragement notes, chore charts, games, words of encouragement…and the list goes on and on. Check it out today. See how NED can leave his mark in your home, too.
