I returned from a two day conference on bullying Friday, and what I experienced has been on mind. I heard from a number of speakers who have spent a lot of time researching the answer to this age-old problem, including Sameer Hinduga, co-author of Bullying: Beyond the Schoolyard, and Stan Davis with http://stopbullyingnow.com. It seems to me that the best place to start eliminating mean peer behavior is to have students STOP, THINK FIRST and apply the Golden Rule to their words or actions. As a teacher, I see my role as vital in helping students do just that. When I come across mean peer behavior at school, it is my responsiblity to help the student to STOP and THINK, asking themselves whether they would want that said or done to them. I believe most of the “bullying” at our school is largely unintentional and can be reduced greatly if we put our focus on how our words and actions affect those around us. The 4th and 5th graders will discuss this issue in the computer lab this week. I will ask them to create some kind of reminder of what the Golden Rule means to them. I look forward to sharing their creations with you.
It is so sad to think that we have to now address THIS in addition to making sure students master the academics of school, but I am also comforted to know that the knowledge you gained will certainly be paid forward to our students. There is NO ONE more competent to do this. We are blessed to have Mrs. Peery.
I am so with you here. Bullying is learned behavior and it can be unlearned. I believe that humans have some natural tendencies that work us when we try to work together and it’s the role of educators to try and help kids think about others as they make choices. Thanks for the effort you put into this important cause. : )