Module 2

“Hitting the Light Switch”

Weeks 3 and 4

Students study the illustration “Hitting the Light Switch” and independently give their opinion about the possible main idea and any hidden messages as they apply to bullying, writing their ideas in their workbooks.

Conduct a class discussion, looking for similarities and differences of opinion.

Ask students what this next bully-related lesson may be about, based on the illustration and their comments.

Students should role-play the poem for maximum effectiveness and sustainability.

“HITTING The LIGHT SWITCH” Poem

Stanza 1: In this poem, you will learn how “hitting the light switch” could help you, in a big way, get rid of a bully.

Kids, “the light switch” is in your mind, a place where a bully cannot touch or see.

Stanza: (2) You should only practice this drill at home with your parents or teacher, which is the proper thing to do.

Your parents’ involvement is very important, so they can learn with you.

Stanza: (3) Go over to the light switch in your house; place your index finger on it so you can control it by flicking it back and forth or up and down.

Now, look directly at the lights you are about to make go on and off, those lights in the ceiling or at eye level. While “hitting the light switch,” concentrate, don’t look all around.

Stanza: (4) Keep your eyes glued to the lights as you begin to flick them on and off. Do this very quickly, about five or six times. My question to you is, how long did it take for the lights to go on and off? Remember, “hitting the light switch” is all about your mind.

Stanza: (5) Did the lights go on and off in a matter of seconds, is that what you would say? You would be correct if you said no more than a second or two. You would be correct in every way.

Stanza: (6) As a kid, you might be asking what does this have to do with a bully? How does this help me?

Well, I will soon explain further, then you’ll see.

Stanza: (7) If a bully ever comes around wanting to hassle you, immediately “hit the light switch” in your mind.

You must do it, if necessary, in any bullying situation, every single time!

Stanza: (8) Just as quickly as you saw the lights go on and off, you must do the following three things with ease:

Relax, React, Respond as fast as the lights went on and off. The complete necessity for this drill you’ll soon see.

Stanza: (9) You will be taught the 3Rs and how to apply them in the next poem so you can perform under a bully’s pressure, and hopefully, perform without a glitch.

What I want children and teens to learn from this poem is if a bully comes around them, they must immediately know how to effectively, in their mind, “hit the light switch.”

Al Johnson

Remind students: Select your favorite words or phrases in the poem. Copy them onto your “My Favorites” at the end of your workbook! Practice repeating them over and over again, so you are ready to confidently respond to a bully.

As students silently read along, read the “Hitting the Light Switch” poem to the class. 

Have students take turns reading the poem out loud one stanza at a time (pause between stanzas.)

CONDUCT THE “HITTING THE LIGHT SWITCH” DEMONSTRATION:

  • Teacher, with the student’s attention on you, walk to the light switch.  As quickly as possible, switch the lights off and then on.  Wait several seconds, then do the same thing again.  Repeat this demonstration several times.

  •  Ask students “How much time transpired between turning the lights off and back on?”  Answers will vary. 

  • Explain that the same amount of time is to be used when confronted by a bully to get yourself together!  Your relaxation, calmness, decisions on what to do, your confidence, your breathing, your response, and more, must be determined just that fast!  We will be learning how to “Hit the light switch” – how to immediately do what is best when faced with a bullying situation.

“HITTING THE LIGHT SWITCH” VOCABULARY LESSON:

Define each of the vocabulary words listed in the student workbook, (Page 12) as they relate to bullying.

Students are to write (in their workbooks) each word in a complete sentence.  Their sentences are to be related to “hitting the light switch”, or to some form of bullying.

“HITTING THE LIGHT SWITCH” POEM ACTIVITY:

  • For this activity, the first thing the students are to do is write the importance of “hitting the light switch” in their minds when confronted by a bully.  A few lines are provided in their workbook for their responses.

  • Secondly, they are going to become familiar with “stanzas” and make their interpretation of each stanza of the poem.  Two stanzas at a time (as shown in their workbook) are to be read, analyzed, and interpreted, writing responses in their workbooks.  The stanzas in the poem have been numbered for the students.

  • Students are to work with a partner or small group and share their interpretations.  They should be ready to “defend” their interpretations whenever challenged by their partner.

REMINDER:  Modules 1-16 are followed by a short quiz (in the student workbooks) so students can demonstrate mastery of the lesson.  This is followed by a teacher evaluation, taking into consideration various aspects of what the students have learned from that module.  Please make special note of any particular accomplishments, improvements made, or areas in need of improvement, followed by your signature and date.