An End to Bullying Lesson Plan

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Academic Standards

 

Reading Objective:

Children will examine bullying and ways to stop it by reading one girl’s inspiring story.

 

Social Studies Focus:

bullying

 

ELA Skills:

key details, vocabulary, writing

 

Page 4 Skill:

social-emotional learning

 

Vocabulary:

bullying, advice

 

CCSS:

RI.2.1, RI.2.4, RI.2.10, L.2.1, SL.2.3

Download TEKS Standards
Download California State Standards
Download Common Core Standards

Provide students with some background on overcoming challenges and developing a growth mind-set.

 

Build background knowledge (10 min.)

Watch our video “Choose to Be Kind.” After children have finished watching the video, discuss the following questions:

  • What are some kind words you can use that show good manners? (please, thank you, excuse me)
  • What does it mean to give a compliment? (It means telling someone something you like about him or her.)
  • What are some ways you can show kindness? (Answers include: Use encouraging words, ask a friend if he or she is OK, offer to help out.)

 

Preview vocabulary (3 min.)

Next, play the online vocabulary slideshow. This issue’s featured words are bullying and advice.

Set a purpose for reading (5 min.)

  • Pass out the issue, and discuss the cover. How do students think these kids feel? Discuss how the girl looks sad and the boy is comforting her.
  • Next, read the As You Read prompt on page 3: “Think about how Marcayah turned something bad into something good.” Encourage children to think about this prompt as they read.

Read together (20 min.)

Pass out the Read and Think printable. Use it to check comprehension as you read the issue together, pausing to ask the questions. 

Use the online game-show to gauge comprehension and reinforce the issue’s content. Students can play by themselves or in teams. For each question they answer correctly, they win a point!

You can use our printable worksheets to focus on important ELA and social-emotional-learning skills.

 

Exit Ticket: Show What You Learned (5 min.)

  • Use our new Show What You Learned printable as a quick exit ticket! It asks students to revisit the As You Read prompt after they are done reading. If you are teaching remotely, this page is a great way to check students’ comprehension.

ELA Focus: Vocabulary (15 min.)

  • Use the Word Work printable to deepen students’ understanding of the words bullying and advice.

Editor’s Pick: Pledge Kindness (15 min.)

  • The Kindness Promise printable gets students thinking about the meaning of kindness as well as why it is important. You can display their promises on a “kindness wall” as a reminder.

SEL Focus: Role Playing (30 min.)

  • The Act It Out printable can be done as a whole class, in small groups, or even at home with family members. Cut out the cards and read each scenario. Students can act out what they would do in the situation or have a group discussion.

 Here are two past issues you can use to extend your lesson on stepping up to challenges:

  • When Words Hurt, September 2019. This issue tells the story of another young activist who speaks out against bullying.
  • Friends Make It Fun! , September 2018. This issue gives kids great tips on how to make new friends.

You can find a higher-Lexile-level and a lower-Lexile-level version of the article online here:

  • Higher Lexile level: 520L
  • Lower Lexile level: 440L