Through role play, communication activities, and empathy-building activities, I provide lessons in each classroom in my school. Below is one example of an important topic I teach.
What is Bullying? Bullying is unwanted, harmful behavior that is typically repeated. It involves an imbalance of power. When bullying happens among adults, it is often known as harassment.
Power can be used for GOOD. However, sometimes Power can be used to harm or control others.
Power can change over time and be different in different situations. Students chart different ways people have power.
You feel empowered with people and places where you feel happy, safe, and respected.
You feel empowered with people and places where you feel happy, safe, and respected.
TYPESPhysical: Harming or damaging to body
Verbal: Namecalling, Using words to harm Social: Rumors, Harming through relationships Cyberbullying: Using social media to harm. |
HOT SPOTSStudents identify places where bullying occurs such as:
Cafeteria Hallway Line outside, etc. |
ROLES IN A BULLYING SCENARIOBully: The person doing the mistreatment.
Target: The person being mistreated. Bystander: The person witnessing the treatment. Hero: The person who sees, and intervenes. |
Lights... Camera... Action...
"The Role Play": Students choose a "Hot Spot" and are challenged to create a role play in that setting. When students role play, they are given the opportunity to experience empathy, and feel more prepared if they encounter a situation of mistreatment or bullying.
The audience must be able to easily identify the Type, Hot Spot, and Who's Who in the bullying scenario.
"The Re-Play": Students show the problem one more time, but this time, with a slight twist. They choose one or more of the "D's" below. We process feelings involved at all levels.
“3D's of ACTIVE BYSTANDERS: Choose yours! Discuss ideas you have that can help you become someone’s HERO.
DIRECT: Tell harasser to Stop.
DISTRACT: Invite the target to sit with you at lunch, or spend time with you in or outside of school.
Listen.
Smile.
Support.
Be a Friend.
DECIDE: who to tell. Help the target tell a trusted adult, or tell the adult yourself. If they do not pay attention, the first time, keep telling them.
The audience must be able to easily identify the Type, Hot Spot, and Who's Who in the bullying scenario.
"The Re-Play": Students show the problem one more time, but this time, with a slight twist. They choose one or more of the "D's" below. We process feelings involved at all levels.
“3D's of ACTIVE BYSTANDERS: Choose yours! Discuss ideas you have that can help you become someone’s HERO.
DIRECT: Tell harasser to Stop.
DISTRACT: Invite the target to sit with you at lunch, or spend time with you in or outside of school.
Listen.
Smile.
Support.
Be a Friend.
DECIDE: who to tell. Help the target tell a trusted adult, or tell the adult yourself. If they do not pay attention, the first time, keep telling them.