Module (1) Continued

KEEN “AWARENESS” TRAINING
Weeks 1 and 2

Teaching the “Awareness” Illustration

Now that the students have reviewed the above illustration, they are to answer in their workbooks the following question:

In your opinion, what is the Theme/Main Idea of the above illustration as it applies to bullying? 

You and the students will independently study the illustration.

  • Students then write in their notebooks their opinions regarding the theme or main idea of the illustration. 

  • Please note that there are no right or wrong answers, within reason.

  • Have a class discussion among you and the students to compare differences and similarities of opinion.

EXAMPLE OF ONE STUDENT RESPONDING TO A BBGP ILLUSTRATION AND POEM:

Maloy’s (age 11) unedited response to the question:

in your opinion, what is the Theme/Main Idea of the illustration as it applies to bullying?

Maloy’s written response: “It’s saying sometimes there aren’t any adults around so you have to do what you must do”. 

In your opinion, what is the Theme/Main Idea of the poem as it applies to bullying?

“Most of the time teachers fail to see bullying, it’s like they don’t even try.  The bullies pick a fight with the kid they (the teachers) only see the victim as the aggressor.”

“AWARENESS” POEM

A kid’s best chance of not being bullied is to be keenly aware of bullies long before it’s too late.

Kids must know the Subtle Signs a bully might reveal and what those signs could indicate.

Too often today, a kid’s attention is focused on cell phones, and any other electronic device.

Kids are not nearly as focused on their environment, people in it, or potential trouble that could sometimes be lurking, almost in plain sight.

Bullies count on kids not being aware. This makes it easy for a KID or ADULT to be caught off guard and taken advantage of. 

Being caught off guard, surprised, and confused makes a kid’s or adult’s chances of avoiding and defeating the bully very hard.

The only good thing about bullies is that they’re easily recognized if a kid knows what to look for. Bullies and potential ones tend to have similar traits.

They call kids names, push, and shove. They want things their way. They seldom smile and, when patience is needed, the bully has none. Bullies are ill-equipped to patiently wait.

There are other unpleasant signs a bully has; those are just an important few.

Kids, please learn to recognize them, you’ll be more aware and have a much better chance of avoiding the bully if you do.

Kids, stay alert, stay aware, and stay away from the bully. It’s what you must effectively learn how to do. 

By sharpening your awareness skills, the outcome will be bad for the bully, and a very good one for you.       

Al Johnson

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

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.