Bullying
Bullying
ACTIVITIES
Appreciation Chain
variation #1: Have students share something they appreciate about a classmate. When they share, they link arms with that person. Teacher may need to facilitate a bit, so that eventually a whole class chain circle is formed. You may want to have students write appreciations about every classmate before the activity begins.
variation #2: Have students and teacher stand in a circle with linked arms. The teacher will start by sharing an appreciation to either the student on the right or left. That student then keeps the appreciations going around the circle. Writing appreciations before starting the game is helpful.
Pink Bubble
Sit in a circle with backs straight, hands resting on knees. Students can sit criss cross or with knees bent, feet under their bottoms. Encourage students to close their eyes, think about a disappointment or a feeling that is bothering them. Instruct students to imagine putting that thought into the pink bubble. With eyes still closed, watch the bubble float away saying a silent wish as it disappears.
Friendly wishes for difficult people
Sit in a circle. Encourage participants to close their eyes. Have students think of a person they find difficult to be around, but would like to wish well. Use guided visualization: "imagine that you feel happy. Imagine that you're smiling, laughing, and having fun. Don't worry if you don't feel happy right now. Just picture yourself laughing, hanging out with friends, or doing something that you love to do. Then in your own words, silently say something like this: I want to be happy. I want to be healthy and strong. I want to be safe. I want to feel lots of love. I want to feel content and peaceful. Bring back the image of the person you find difficult, but whom you'd like to wish well. remember, you don't need to change your feelings toward them. In your own words, silently say something like this: I want you to be healthy and content. I hope that you're safe and feel peaceful. Choose words and good wishes that you're comfortable saying and repeat them silently." Process: How did you feel before this activity about the person you pictured? How did you feel after?
QUESTIONS
When you think of bullying what pictures come into your head?
Share a time when you were not treated well? How did it feel? Did you get help?
There are four types of aggression, physical aggression, relational aggression, cyberbullying and verbal aggression. Which are you most worried about at school? Which are you most worried about at home?
What type of bullying are you most worried about at school, gossip and rumors or physical aggression? Why?
It can be hard to stand up for others. What keeps you from standing up?
Have you ever felt afraid to go to school or some other place because of how you were treated there? How did you handle it? If not, what could you do to help everyone feel welcome?