Module 6

Overcoming Bullying through Positive Role Models

Brief Overview

This module explores how bibliotherapy can be used to address bullying and foster inclusion through storytelling. By working with the picture book The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig, educators will learn strategies to help children recognize the impact of exclusion, develop empathy, and build a caring classroom environment. This module supports teachers, librarians, and educational professionals in promoting emotional visibility, kindness, and positive peer relationships among children aged 8–11.

Learning Objectives:

Identify different forms of bullying (verbal, physical, relational, and cyber).
Recognize the emotional impact of bullying and invisibility on children.
Promote inclusive behaviors using storytelling and reflective dialogue.
Utilize role models and stories to teach empathy, acceptance, and resilience.

Key Concepts and Theories:

Invisibility vs. Inclusion
Children need to feel seen and valued. Exclusion leads to sadness and isolation.
Understanding Bullying
Bullying can be physical, verbal, social, or online—and it's always harmful.
Power of Role Models
Kind, empathetic characters (like Justin) show how small actions can create big change.
Creating a Caring Classroom
Inclusive spaces help all children feel safe, connected, and ready to learn.

Short Educational Story:

The Invisible Boy

Brian feels invisible at school. He’s quiet, often left out of games, group work, and birthday parties. While others laugh and play, Brian draws alone—his only way to express himself. Everything begins to change when a new student, Justin, joins the class and shows Brian kindness. With just one act of inclusion, Brian starts to feel seen. Through empathy, friendship, and creativity, Brian transforms from invisible to valued, showing that small gestures can have a powerful impact.

Practical Strategies and Techniques

Guided reading: Read the story aloud in class, pausing for discussion.
Journaling: Encourage students to reflect on their own experiences that relate to the story.

Interactive Activities

1. Read Aloud & Reflect

Read The Invisible Boy with the class or at home
Pause to discuss how Brian might feel in different moments
Ask: “Have you ever felt invisible? What helped?”

2. “Kindness Chain” Activity

Each child writes or draws one act of kindness they can do to include someone.
Link the responses into a paper chain and hang it in the classroom/home as a daily reminder.

3. “Invisible and Visible” Drawing Exercise

Invite children to draw two scenes:
- One where they feel invisible
- One where they feel accepted and included
Use the drawings as a starting point for emotional expression and discussion.

Multimedia Content

Audio Recording: A narrated version of The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig for classroom or individual use https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNHc2XCultQ

Reflection and Discussion

🧠 Understanding Emotions & Perspective

How do you think Brian felt when no one picked him for teams or included him in games?
Why do you think no one noticed Brian at first?

💡 Encouraging Empathy

Have you ever felt like Brian—left out or invisible? What helped you feel better?

👫 Promoting Inclusion

What did Justin do that made a big difference in Brian’s life?

🎨 Connecting with Personal Experience

Imagine you are Brian at the end of the story—how would you describe how things changed?

Additional Resources

To further explore the themes in this module, refer to:

Articles:
- “Bibliotherapy in Primary Education.”
- “The Role of Storytelling in Emotional Development.”
Websites:
Books:
- "Have You Filled a Bucket Today?" by Carol McCloud
- "The Invisible Boy" by Trudy Ludwig
- "Each Kindness" by Jacqueline Woodson

"I Am Human: A Book of Empathy" by Susan Verdees for Teachers Using Storytelling for Emotional Growth.”

Unit Summary

This module uses the story The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig to show how even small acts of kindness can make a big impact. Through the character of Justin—a child who chooses empathy and inclusion—we see the powerful effect a positive role model can have in changing classroom dynamics and helping others feel seen and valued.

Educators will learn how to:

Recognize and address different forms of bullying, including social exclusion.
Use storytelling and character-driven reflection to help children build empathy and understand the impact of their actions.
Model and encourage inclusive behavior, showing students how to stand up for others in a kind and constructive way.
Foster a classroom culture of belonging, where every child feels emotionally safe and respected.

By highlighting real and fictional role models, this module empowers teachers, librarians, and parents to guide children in becoming upstanders—helping to reduce bullying and create stronger, more compassionate peer relationships.

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