Bullying
GRADES 3-5

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Learning Goal

Students will understand bullying and know how to respond to it.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lessons, students will be able to:

  • Understand what bullying is
  • Determine if a scenario is bullying
  • Know what to do if they see or experience bullying
Learning Summary

Bullying is defined as intentional, aggressive behavior that causes someone harm; a pattern of behavior or repeated act that happens over time; and involves an imbalance of power in a relationship. Many schools use a bullying program or curriculum, but this lesson serves as an introduction by defining bullying, distinguishing between bullying and conflict, and teaching what to do when a student sees or experiences bullying.

The lesson starts with a mindfulness activity that brings movement to breath as students inhale and exhale while rolling their shoulders. The class then discusses three criteria of bullying: an intentional behavior to cause harm, a pattern that happens over time, and an imbalance of power. Students then review various
scenarios and decide if they meet the three criteria of bullying. Next, the class discusses what to do when they witness or experience bullying, identifying the adults they can go to, as well as distinguishing the difference between reporting and tattling. Students end by reflecting in their journals on a time either they were bullied or they witnessed bullying.

computer icon Online Teaching Tips for Bullying

Use the slide deck to review the definition of bullying and to go through each scenario for the Is it Bullying activity.

For the Is it Bullying activity, read each option out loud slowly and a couple times while also showing the corresponding slides. Then go through each question and have students give a thumbs up or a thumbs down on their screen to answer the yes or no questions. 

For the Is it Bullying activity, read each option out loud slowly and a couple times while also showing the corresponding slides. Then go through each question by reading them outloud and pausing after you read each to give students a chance to think and answer out loud. Make sure to also answer the questions out loud so students hear the answers.

CASEL Competencies

Self-awareness: The abilities to understand one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior across contexts. This includes capacities to recognize one’s strengths and limitations with a well-grounded sense of confidence and purpose.

Responsible decision-making: The abilities to make caring and constructive choices about personal behavior and social interactions across diverse situations. This includes the capacities to consider ethical standards and safety concerns, and to evaluate the benefits and consequences of various actions for personal, social, and collective well-being.

Social awareness: The abilities to understand the perspectives of and empathize with others, including those from diverse backgrounds, cultures, & contexts. This includes the capacities to feel compassion for others, understand broader historical and social norms for behavior in different settings, and recognize family, school, and community resources and supports.