HOW TO TEACH THE BULLIES BE GONE PROJECT CURRICULUM
- Thoroughly read the module (including the poem(s) prior to class
- That’s it, with the exception of two modules which require a small amount of additional preparation. You will be alerted at the beginning of the module.
1. HOW TO TEACH THE ILLUSTRATIONS
Before each poem is a corresponding illustration. The student has no idea what the subject of the illustration is (unless they look ahead!) By studying the illustration, they are to surmise what is trying to be communicated. There are no right or wrong “reasonable” answers.
After studying the illustration independently, the students write in their workbooks what they believe the theme or main idea is. They also include any possible “hidden messages” they find within the illustration. This is an independent activity. They should prepare themselves to “defend” their findings!
Upon completion, allow students to share their ideas, along with yours, comparing any similarities or differences.
2. HOW TO TEACH THE BBGP POEMS
Students should be introduced to anti-bullying poetry as a new and fun way to learn about the subject of anti-bullying. Reading poems, listening to them being read, writing their own poems, turning poems into skits or plays, role-playing poems, and memorization contests, are just a few of the ways they will learn and apply the new skills. Feel free to improvise and include your ideas of ways to make the poetry come alive for your students.
The first exposure to each poem will be students reading silently while following along as you read the poem out loud. This is where your best use of improvision will be very helpful. They will then immolate how you have read the poem as they take turns reading it out loud. It is therefore very important that you read the poem in advance so that you are comfortable with the wording and the “poetic flow” of the poem.
For each poem to have a meaningful and emotional impact, the poems must be read to the students using most of the following:
• The appropriate emotion which will emphasize the intent of the poem
• Tonality, as opposed to monotone
• Emphasis on rhyming words
• Making the words come to life, be of interest
• Reading the poem like a story would be read
After reading the poem to your students, it will be their turn to read it out loud. This can be done in a variety of ways, as directed by the Teacher Manual, or at your discretion. Students having reading difficulties should not be put in the position of being embarrassed, as the intent is to teach anti-bullying skills. Therefore, encourage working in groups and helping each other with the pronunciation of words.
3. HOW TO TEACH THE VOCABULARY LESSONS
Following the teacher and student readings of each poem is a vocabulary lesson. Discuss with the students the following to ensure they clearly understand:
- The meanings of each of the vocabulary words or phrases (those words that are in bold print within the poem, and also listed in the vocabulary lesson.
- How the vocabulary words apply to the theme/main idea of the poem
- How they apply to the prevention and/or elimination of bullying
- Have students list words or phrases that they want to remember to use when in a bullying encounter. They are to be written in the “My Favorites” section at the end of their Student Workbook. Students should be reminded to practice these words/phrases.
THE SUCCESS OF BULLIES BE GONE PROJECT TRAINING IS DEPENDENT UPON:
- The teacher’s commitment and dedication to the welfare of students through the elimination and prevention of bullying.
- Repetition, review, and recall (from the 1st module to the one currently being presented) of each BBGP module.
- Teaching Role Playing
- Teaching Creativity
- Teaching of the original Poetry (phrases, stanzas, and the poem itself becoming engrained in the student’s mindset)
- Original Music (To teach and stir the emotions; to become engrained in the student’s mindset)
- Encouraging Creative writing of student’s anti-bullying original poetry
- Encouraging Mental toughness
- Encouraging Critical thinking
- Encouraging Critical discussion
- Encouragement
- Development of strong self-esteem and self-confidence
- Keeping the training a secret – Students will be instructed to only share skills and techniques they learn with teachers, parents, or students taking or have taken this training
- Understanding the importance of the Element of Surprise and how to apply it
- Having Fun while learning, although the content is Serious
- And practice, practice, practice as BBGP strongly suggests throughout the 18 training modules
Additionally, please utilize the lessons in the BBGP training to benefit your personal life and that of your family. Our goal is for those receiving this training, and delivering this training, to receive a positive, overall difference in their safety, awareness, anti-bullying, and social skills knowledge and application.
Congratulations on your extremely worthwhile quest to participate in the elimination and prevention of bullying in all forms, effectively and sustainably.
Enjoy the learning process!
TEACHERS, WE APPRECIATE YOU AND ALL YOU DO!!