Top Ten Ways to Bully Proof Your Classroom by Mike Moore
We all know that bullying exists and is having a disastrous
impact on the health and well-being of our students throughout our country and
beyond. What we need to know is what we can do about it so that every child is
cherished and respected and has an opportunity to achieve their unique
potential in a kind and affirming community.
What I want to do with this article is provide busy teachers
with a easily accessible reference guide that provides them with effective tips,
tools and techniques to use to develop a bully free classroom.
While It might be
unrealistic to think that we can stop bullying in our entire school we can do a great deal to stop bullying in our
classroom and in so doing sow seeds of
peaceful co-existence that will have a positive impact on other members of the
school community both staff and students.
From every seed a mighty oak does grow.
It is important to realize that people bully others because
it works for them and we let them get away with it. If we can make it so it
doesn’t work for them and we won’t let them get away with it we have a good
chance changing this destructive behaviour.
Why do bullies bully? Well, they bully others for 4 reasons.
1. Attention
2. Power
3. Revenge
4. Inadequacy.
When attempting to put a stop to antisocial behaviour we
must always keep in mind what motivates it. Responding to the behaviour without
considering what motivates it is futile.
Here are just ten strategies that work. Give them a try and
watch great things happens.
1. At the beginning of the year have class discussions on
the kind of classroom we want to have. Have the students be as specific as
possible. This will form the basis of a
class vision and values statement which will be displayed on the wall for
future reference. Use the vision
statement as the standard by which the class can challenge behaviour that
doesn’t support class values. When
people of all ages get together to set standards they always set the bar high
so build on this fact.
2. CHARM your classroom.
This is an acronym that stands for Communication, Humour, Attitude,
Recognition and Mutual Respect. These elements alone will do wonders to create
a bully free classroom.
3. Celebrate and affirm the giftedness of each student.
Every child has a unique gift that can and should be celebrated and in so doing
have a positive impact on the social fabric of your class. Find it and affirm it in the presence of the
class and watch great things happen. It is difficult to bite the hands that
affirm you.
4. Try the 2 for 10 strategy to connect and develop rapport
with difficult students. It is a simple
strategy that works wonders. All you have to do is spend 2 minutes per day for
10 days in a row with a difficult student in light conversation. Ask questions
about their likes, dislikes, interests, hobbies etc. Just get them talking and
listen carefully to what they have to say. There is nothing more flattering or
bonding as the undivided attention of another human being. This is nothing more
than a relationship building exercise to show a young person you care. A student will never care what you think
until they think that you care.
5. Be the change you want to see in your class. Both
students and teacher must challenge one another in creating a social climate
free of sarcasm, ridicule and putdowns.
6. Turn your class
into and ICU (Intensive Caring Unit).
Remember that love is the most powerful healing force in the universe.
Put its power to work creating a thoughtful, caring and compassionate
community.
7. If there is a child in your class who has a reputation as
a bully try to get them on your side. Give them a productive task to do and
affirm their efforts and results both privately and publically.
8. To develop empathy among your students get the students
writing on How Would You Feel If… (Use stories and photos from the newspaper to
stimulate their empathic response) Class bulletin boards on the topic are also
effective.
9. Have a Compassion Board illustrating people responding to
human need locally, nationally and internationally. If exposure to violence in the media can
foster insensitivity then exposure to peace, compassion and non-violence can
foster sensitivity.
10. Promote the acceptance of others not tolerance. We as
humans want to be accepted, respected and appreciated, not tolerated.
These ten ways to bully proof your classroom are from a,
soon to be published, special report by the same name.
I speak to teachers and parents throughout Canada and
the USA on teacher/parent relations, teacher stress and burnout and on taming
toxic bullies among us.
To look into having Mike speak to your parent or teacher
group visit
For a FREE Download of over 30 life lesson stories for students
http://motivationalplus.com/cgi/a/t.cgi?tpayt
