The ReadWriteThink website is a wonderful resource for teachers. I found that the site is easy to maneuver around on. You can search based on grade level, type of lesson, or key words. When I was student teaching we had a problem with bullying so I wanted to find a lesson that explored the issue of bullying. I found a lesson called, “A Bad Case of Bullying: Using Literature Response Groups” that focuses on how to talk to Elementary school children about bullying.
The lesson uses The Bad Case of the Stripes by David Shannon. Materials include the book, chart paper, markers, lima beans, index cards and student reflection journals/logs. Read aloud the book, stopping occasionally to ask think-aloud questions, similar to a text talk. After completing the story, discuss parts of the book with students. For example ask, “Were the students in the book bullying Camilla? Why or why not?” After discussing a few questions, have students write in their journals about the book and answer the question, “What is one of the lessons in The Bad Case of the Stripes?
The next day, discuss as a class how Camilla’s classmates treated her. Have students brainstorm with a partner some of the emotions that Camilla felt. After discussing emotions, each student will complete an emotion chart and explain what the characters in the story may have been feeling.
During the final lesson, students will partner up and play a few games on the computer that deal with several situations with bullies. Students will answer situational questions about what they should do if they come into contact with a bully. Finally, students will work together to create a situation where a student is being bullied and will decide on three different solutions to the problem. They will write their situations and solutions on a note card. In the days following the teacher will read aloud a few of the cards and the class will discuss appropriate ways to deal with bullying.
This lesson is a great resource to use with students in third, fourth, or fifth grade. It can be adapted and modified to several different ages. I would love to use this lesson in my future classes.
Whitney Fisher