Bullying Prevention

In the months of November and December I will be visiting classrooms to conduct bullying lessons. I have visited the following grade levels in the month of November. If you don't see your child's grade here, I will be  in their classroom in December!

In Kindergarten, we read "Hands are Not for Hitting" and discussed behavior that is considered bullying behavior. We discussed all the many ways we can use our hands (for learning, doing, helping, playing, and building) but NOT for hitting.



In 1st grade we created a T chart and brainstormed what we think bullying looks like and sounds like on one side, and how bulling feels on the other. Students used many amazing descriptions such as "it feels like lightening in your heart" and "bullying is bruises your insides, it hurts your insides like a bruise on your skin." Then we read the book "Bullies Never Win" and discussed various strategies to combat bulling. Students folded a paper heart every time they heard bulling in the book, and we discussed the lasting effect that bullying has on someone--another reason not to bully and to stand up to those we see being bullied.



In second grade we reviewed the definition of bullying: that bullying is hurtful or harmful behavior through words and actions, that it is intentional (on purpose), and that there is an imbalance of power (it is not peer/friend conflict). We discussed the three roles in a bullying situation--the bully, the target, and the bystander. Students watched a video to learn different strategies to combat bullying. We discussed especially the role of the bystander in bullying, and that a bystander has the most power in a bullying situation if they make the choice to stand up when they see bullying happening. In fact they have two choices--to do nothing or to stand up to the bully or get help on behalf of the target. Which choice would students make now that they know the power they have as a bystander?



In 5th grade students reviewed the definition of bullying and different types of bullying. Students watched a video "Gum in My Hair" which teaches many different strategies to handle a bully, including avoid, use words to stand up to a bully, improve body language/confidence, involve friends or adults to help, and sometimes YELL. Students also learned the difference between normal peer conflict and a true bullying situation.



Don't forget to check out the guidance schedule here to see when I will be visiting your child's classroom!!

Helping Children Navigate The World Wide Web

I am visiting classrooms this month discussing personal body safety--teaching children how to keep themselves safe if someone tries to hurt their body. This year I am incorporating aspects of internet safety in my lessons with older students. I personally believe I would be doing a disservice to students and families if I didn't address safety on the internet and other forms of technology communication. This applies to personal safety issues and bullying. We live in a very unique day and age where our children are "techy"-r than any of us might think to be (well, more than me, anyway!). In other words, our kids know more about the internet than we do! The internet provides an avenue for connecting, educating, expressing, and learning that is incredibly beneficial to children and adults alike. The internet is a powerful tool, undoubtedly.

Nonetheless, I believe students and children need guidance on how to be "good digital citizens." We are hear more and more these days about bullying taking unique shape on the internet (and through text, for that matter). Kids say hurtful, mean things to others though technology that they might not THINK to say in person. The internet provides for children an environment that feels anonymous and secret. It similar to the reason kids bully when adults aren't around, they don't feel there will be repercussions if an adult or others don't see it happening.

Because the internet can be anonymous, it can be a dangerous place for children. When kids meet people "online" they may be walking into a very dangerous situation even though it seems benign. Therefore, there are many reasons to have a discussion with your children whenever they begin to use technology whether texting, searching online, joining social media outlets, etc.

As a school counselor I am seeing more and more of these issues affecting the school environment. Though students are not able to access texts and internet social websites at school, what they say and do through these avenues after school absolutely spills over into the classroom and playground.

So, I would ask you to partner with me in teaching children how to be kind when no one is looking! To protect their safety, reputation, and friendships. To help combat the dangerous affects of bullying. To keep them safe.

You can find more information at the following websites. On them are links to many different resources you can use to have a discussion with your child regarding responsible, respectful, and safe use of the internet and other sources of technology and communication.

http://www.educational-freeware.com/news/internet-safety.aspx

http://alldistrict.leesummit.k12.mo.us/internetsafety/

Respect Recap

I can't believe next week is October. Time flies when you are having fun! These past few weeks have gotten away from me! Here is what students learned this month when I visited their classrooms.

Kindergarteners learned respect from a box of crayons that don't get along. We read "The Crayon Box that Talked" by Shane Derolf and discussed how when we work together and respect one another, even though we are all different, we make a beautiful picture!

In First grade we talked about "Do Onto Otters" how you would have "otters do unto you" by reading a book by the same title (by Laurie Keller). This book has a very witty way of teaching the golden rule and helping kids learn how to treat one another with respect, especially when meeting many new friends as they are doing at the beginning of the year.

In Second Grade we discussed how to be peaceful with one another at school by reading "Peace Week in Miss Fox's Class" by Eileen Spinelli. Students brainstormed ways to resolve a problem they may have a school by doing something helpful and peaceful, rather than fighting back.

Third Graders Stamped-Out put downs by reading "Snail Started It" by Katja Reider, a story about animals who don't take responsibility for their actions and in the end cause a lot of disruption. The animals have to one by one go back and make better the harm they caused. We learned that negative comments and choices cause a spiral of negative behavior so instead of being negative or putting other's down, students thought of kind comments and actions to do instead!

In Fourth Grade we read "Our Friendship Rules" by Peggy Moss and Dee Dee Tardif. Students discussed the importance of trust in friendship and relationships. Students thought about and created their own friendship rules and linked them all together to make a colorful classroom chain--a visual that teachers put up in their room to help remind kids of how they have commited to treating each other this year.

In Fifth grade students participated in a heart activity that helped them to think about how their words and actions can have a lasting effect. We also read "Mr. Peabody's Apples" by Madonna to discuss how rumors and our choice of words can ruin an individual's reputation for a lifetime. Students viewed the video I have as the first post of this blog, and we discussed how we have a choice to hurt others with our words and actions, or possibly do something that will change their life forever for the positive! Which choice will they make?

Sixth graders were visited this month by Kerri Gray with Lee's Summit Cares, who facilitated a lesson on internet bullying.

I found this video and couldn't resist posting it at the end of our respect month! I am sure I would be a favorite among most HPE girls if I could get this visitor to come and sing Aretha Franklin's R-E-S-P-E-C-T for our school! Enjoy!!!


Check back soon to see when I will be visiting your child's classroom in October by visiting the tab at the top of the blog entitled "Guidance Schedule." Thanks for stopping by!