January: Bullying

Throughout the month of January I visit every grade-level and classroom to conduct bullying prevention lessons.  Bullying is such an important topic in school, especially during the elementary years when students are forming social behaviors that can last a lifetime. The problem with bullying is that the term is often used incorrectly by students.

Almost every day I witness students confusing peer conflict scenarios with bullying situations.  As a result the main talking point in each of my lessons is defining the word bullying.  I like to focus on three points that truly describe bullying; there is an imbalance of power, the mean behaviors occur more than once, and the person doing the harm is intentionally trying to hurt. I also like to review the key players in a bullying situation, the bully, the victim, and the bystanders.  Each of these roles can play a key part in stopping the cycle of hurt.

I love using books to format my lessons! One of my favorite authors is Julia Cook, and as a result most of my lessons are based off of her stories.  I also use collaborative teaching to help schedule my lessons.  I have found that working with special teachers is a great way to enhance lessons and reach whole grade-levels in an efficient manner.  My pre K through 3rd grade lessons are completed in student classrooms, while my 4th and 5th grade lessons are conducted during each classroom's library special time.

Pre-K Bullying Prevention Lesson:
Book: Words are Not for Hurting by Elizabeth Verdick

Lesson Plan Link

Activity: Each student is given a flip up card that on the inside has a blank quote and a face.  I write either positive or negative comments on the line, and then have the students color a face that would show how they would feel if someone said those words to them.

Activity  (Closed)

Activity (Open

Teachers Pay Teachers Link to Activity from Lesson Plan

Kindergarten Bullying Prevention Lesson:
Book: Lucy and the Bully by Claire Alexander

Lesson Plan Link







Activity: I distribute 1/2 sheets of construction paper to every student that represents each of their feelings and emotions. I then explain that each time we talk or play with someone we can make them feel happy or sad depending on how they handle their emotions.  To give the students a tangible example of this concept, the students swap their construction paper with another student.  (I also switch.)  I then start saying mean things while crinkling and ripping the paper. Once I am done saying the mean words I start apologizing and attempt to return the paper to its original form.  The students are able to recognize that words like "I'm sorry," or "It was an accident" may help a little, but it does not erase the damage that was done.  The students then are able to try out what I demonstrated. We end the lesson with a discussion on how we should 'stop' and 'think' before we do or say anything so that we do not physically or emotionally hurt others.

1st Grade Bully Prevention Lesson:
Book: Tease Monster: A Book About Teasing vs. Bullying by Julia Cook

Lesson Plan Link









Activity: The students are given a coloring sheet at the end of the lesson to review the difference between teasing vs. bullying.

Teasing vs. Bullying Color Page

Teachers Pay Teachers Link to Color Page






2nd Grade Bullying Prevention Lesson:
Book: A Bad Case of Tattle Tongue by Julia Cook

Lesson Plan Link








Activity: Students are given a coloring sheet at the end of the lesson that reviews the "Tattle Rules" from the story.  I also print out copies of the "Tattle Rules" for each teacher.

Student Coloring Page

Teachers Pay Teachers Link:
1. Coloring Pages
2. Teacher Hand-Outs
3. Pre and Post Test






3rd Grade Bullying Prevention Lesson:
Book: Bully B.E.A.N.S by Julia Cook

Lesson Plan Link
Pre and Post Test Link







Activity: I utilize Julia Cook's Activity and Idea book.  The students are told that they are members of the Bystander Club and need to color t-shirts that teach others how to stop bullying. Once complete, the t-shirts are collected and displayed in the school for other students to view.

4th Grade Bullying Prevention Lesson:
Book: Mr. Peabody's Apples by Madonna

Lesson Plan Link
Pre and Post Test Link

Activity: The class is split into teams, and asked to stand around tables.  I then choose one person for each team and place glitter in their hand. The purpose of the game is to move the glitter to each team member until it is returned to the original holder.  The catch is the students cannot drop one piece of glitter when they move it from person to person.  The team who is able to complete the task in the shortest amount of time, wins!  What the students quickly learn is this task is impossible.

The glitter represents rumors.  Like glitter, rumors go everywhere, they are 'sticky,' they are spread quickly and uncontrollably, and like glitter- rumors can be 'shiny and sparkly,' very temping and appealing.

5th Grade Bullying Prevention Lesson:
Resource Used: Girls in Real Life Situations:Group Counseling Activities for Enhancing Social and Emotional Development by Shannon Trice-Black and Julia Taylor

Lesson Plan Link
"My Suit of Armor Link"
Pre and Post Test Link

Activity: Student are taught how to create their own "Self-Esteem Suit of Armor."  Each piece of the armor represents a source of protection.  For example the helmet protects their positive thoughts, and the breast plate protects their positive feelings.