For Teachers & Educators:

Classroom meetings and activities that include and engage all students are an important part of preventing bullying and teasing. Although sometimes difficult to schedule in times of ever increasing demands on all educators, the class meeting time leads to an increased ability for students to focus on academics, improved communication and respect among students, and generally a better classroom or program atmosphere. Getting the class/group to a place of respect, tolerance, and empathy is important and can be lots of fun. This page will periodically post activities for use with children in schools or programs. Please check back often for new ideas.

Class Meeting Idea:

Webbing Activity-

What are the courageous things you can do if you are being bullied or if you hear or see someone else being bullied—even if you don’t like the person?

Materials Needed:

A big ball of yarn
A circle of standing students

Directions:
1. Make your courageous statement or state your courageous act and then toss the yarn to someone new (you can use this act to describe friendship or good deeds too, use your imagination) It works best if the yarn ball is thrown across the circle rather than to someone close by.

2. When your web is complete take a few moments to notice its strength. Reflect on any other observations. Make any comments regarding the web that you wish.

3. Close with comments reflecting the commitment of the students to be good bystanders.

Links for educational materials & articles:

Articles and lesson plans -- CNN home page-type in a search for bullying

Bullying information for parents and teachers -- Centre for Children and Families in the Justice System-information page on bullying

News articles -- MSNBC home page-do a site search for bullying articles. Over 50 articles.

News articles -- ABC News home page-search this site for articles and information related to bullying

Lesson plans -- Education World home page. More than 150 ideas, plans, or book reviews related to bullying.

Teaching Tolerance home page - Lesson plans, articles, and free materials related to tolerance and diversity.

The Operation Respect home page - Resources and free materials.