2nd Grade Bullying Lesson

Next week we are starting a new lesson in 2nd grade. You've probably heard of our topic, because it seems to be a current buzzword nationally. It is BULLYING, part of our county-wide 2nd grade counseling curriculum.

For our lesson, we'll read a book called "One." It is a beautiful, simple story in which colors and numbers represent people. One of the main ideas is that if one person stands up and says that bully behavior is not okay, then several other people can join with him or her in saying "No" to the bully behavior. When several people stand together like that, they are more powerful than the bully. If we all stay separated and let the bullying happen, the bullying gets stronger and stronger and it is difficult for one person to stop. But if we band together, we are strong enough to change what is happening. The other main point of the book is that if everyone is included and welcome to join the larger group, there is less bullying for two reasons. First, the students who are likely to be victims have people to play with and be around so they are not as at risk. Secondly, the children who have been doing the bullying can be included in the group too (if they are willing to act respectfully), and then they are less likely to bully because they have friends and feel accepted.

In our lesson I'll also teach the kids a definition of bullying: when someone hurts someone else on purpose over and over again. They will learn that bullying can mean hurting people's bodies, feelings, property, or friendships. (There has been more and more talk about this last type, "relational" or "social" bullying in the media lately.) And I will stress that the best way to stop bullying is to INCLUDE EVERYONE, especially kids who are likely to be victims. This seems to be the most effective, least risky way to end bullying, and all our kids are capable of doing it. It does not require them to put their personal safety at risk by actually going up to a bully and saying "No!" and it is not as intimidating as confronting bullying head-on.

Your second grader will bring home a small workbook called "Let's Put An End To Bullying." It is a little bit out-of-date and doesn't include some of the most current thinking about bullying, but I have a whole bunch of them in my closet from the county and kids seem to really love having a workbook to take home, so I will hand them out. :) I'm also giving each student a half-page called "How To Deal With Bullies and Teasers" where I've compiled the best ideas I've seen for handling these sorts of problems. If you have any questions about either material, please let me know! And if you do not have a 2nd grader but would like me to send either material home in your K or 1st child's backpack, please let me know.

I'll see Myrick, Singley, Johnson, Turner, Dean, Brown, Frith, Horst, and Hamner's classes next week. All other second grade classes will take place on March 8 and 9.

Thanks for reading! We're glad you are here!