Wall Charts and Educational Posters | Daydream Education wall charts actions against bullying

Choose a Subject

Coming Soon

Computer Studies
Motivation
Physical Education
School Essentials

News

Action Against Bullying

5 Sep 05

Pip Anderson, education consultant offers teachers some advice on how to deal with bullying at Key Stage 1 and 2

Children and teachers have the right to teach and be educated in an atmosphere which is not full of fear. Bullying has always been present in the school environment and as yet has never been thoroughly tackled.

Bullying is not always evident at first sight. It can take on many forms these can include;

Name calling
Seclusion
Text and photo messaging
Physical taunting
Verbal abuse
Homophobic bullying
Racism
Ignoring
Happy Slapping (slapping people and taking a photo)
Destruction of property or belongings

Although there has been much debate about not enough being done to help teachers and children who suffer at the hands of bullies, recently the Government and various independent associations have been trying to rectify this.

There are many new initiatives and associations directed at easing the troublesome nature of bullying. In November 2004 the Anti-Bullying Alliance (ABA) appointed nine regional coordinators across England to try and address the issue of bullying. The total cost of the scheme which is funded by the Government (DfES) is around �60,000. By working with schools and LEAs to support them, each coordinator will identify anti-bullying initiatives in each region and introduce events as a way of solving each school�s individual anti-bullying needs.

Though there are measures being taken by the Government to reduce the number of bullying cases in schools UK wide, there are also simple activities that teachers can incorporate into the curriculum to address the problem.

Top tips to think about when addressing bullying

There are five fundamental points that teachers should be aware of when engaging in any anti-bullying activities in the classroom;

Never ignore suspected bullying
Do not make premature assumptions.
Listen carefully to all accounts - several pupils saying the same thing does not necessarily mean they are telling the truth.
Adopt a problem-solving approach which moves pupils on from justifying themselves.
Follow-up repeatedly, checking bullying has not resumed.

Activities

Circle time

The circle method has been used in the industry for several years now and has roots in social group work and in solution focussed therapeutic approaches. It can be introduced at any age provided it is used with the resources and techniques which are suited to that age. The circle method helps children gain better listening and empathising skills which can promote respect and improve self esteem.

Time should be set aside each week for teachers and pupils to sit in a circle and take part in enjoyable activities. These can include; games, discussions, craft and physical activities. The positive atmosphere generated in the well-managed circle usually spreads into other areas of class activity.

This activity:

Creates a safe space to explore issues of concern.
Explores relationships with adults and peers.
Enhances effective communication.
Affirms the strengths and enhances the self-esteem of each member.

The circle should last for 20-30 minutes. Participants listen carefully, making eye-contact with one another and address particular problems � for example; name calling, relationships, anger, fighting and bullying.

Together with the children, the teacher should agree on simple, positive rules which encourage the group to:

Focus on their own feelings and those of others
Listen to one another and tolerate others� views �
Learn to take turns
Discuss difficult issues using a problem - solving approach

Peace Building

Peace building gives children a common language so that they understand what is expected of them in school.

There are five common areas of focus which concentrate on anti bullying, these are;

Praise people

Give up put downs

Seek wise people

Notice hurts

Right wrongs

Setting these standards helps to build on children�s self esteem and confidence, and combats the isolation of children in the classroom and in the playground.

Referral

Using visual references which could be anything from a child�s own drawing of what bullying is, a written description or a selection of Daydream EDUCATION wall charts. Display the poster/wall chart in an area where all children can see and refer to it.

Using the poster/wall charts you can explain to the children what each image or graphic means and what the image or word represents. One particular exercise which works really well in helping the children to understand about bullying is the �Fact or Myth� activity.

Gather all the children together and firstly explain what a �Fact� is and what a �Myth� is. After this exercise and a couple of practise fact or myth sessions, use two of the Daydream EDUCATION wall charts, �Bullying the Facts� and �Bullying the Myths�. Copy the text from the wall charts and make a quiz sheet. For example; 1) Only wimps and cowards are bullied, fact or myth'

This activity helps the children to identify what bullying is and what the effects of bullying are.

Bullying is a difficult topic to talk about and it can be hard for any teacher to recognise if a child is a victim of bullying. The key thing to remember is to talk about bullying and bring the topic into the everyday classroom situation. This not only helps children feel more confident when approaching a teacher to tell them about personal situations it also helps children realise that bullying should not be tolerated and what to do if you are being bullied.

For more practical tips on how to combat bullying at any age visit: http://www.dfes.gov.uk/bullying/teachersindex.shtml

Wall Charts, Classroom Charts, Educational Posters, Whiteboard Software, and School Worksheets

News

Archive

Action Against Bullying

Activities