Standard of Learning

6.3 The student will describe the connections between mental and physical development as they relate to adolescence. Key concepts/skills include:

1. the effects of stress;
2. respect for individual differences;
3. positive and negative responses to criticism;
4. the effects of peer pressure;
5. the effects of bullying;
6. issues related to body image and weight management.

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Understanding the Standard

The student will learning the many negative effects and consequences of bullying behavior.

Essential Knowledge and Skills

The student will:

• Define bullying (Bullying is repeated exposure, over time, to negative actions from one or more other students.  Negative actions can include physical, verbal or indirect actions that are intended to inflect injury or discomfort upon another. - Dan Olweus)
• Learn that teasing and bullying are not acceptable behaviors
• Learn that everyone has a responsibility to stop teasing and bullying
• Learn that using violence to solve problems is not courageous
• Learn that everyone has a broad range of feelings, but how we express them is important in how we get along with others
• Learn that using our bodies to convey strength and confidence is one way to avoid being bullied
• Learn how to recognize signs of their own anger
• Learn ways for boys and girls to treat each other that are fairer, friendlier, and more respectvul
• Learn that they can think of solutions to conflicts and practice ways of responding to teasing and bullying that are not aggressive or hurtful to others

Sample Lessons

Stop Bullying Now!
Education World offers ten lessons designed to teach students to respect diversity and resolve ideological differences peacefully. Included: Ten activities for teaching kids about empathy, anger management, and effective conflict resolution.
Sponsor: Education World
http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson/lesson191.shtml

Additional Instructional Resources

• Stop Bullying Now Teacher Resources- http://stopbullyingnow.hrsa.gov/adult/indexAdult.asp?area=teacherscorner
• Olweus Bullying Prevention Program- http://www.clemson.edu/olweus/index.html
• VCU Virginia for School Community Collaboration- http://www.soe.vcu.edu/csc/
• Virginia Center for School Safety- http://www.dcjs.virginia.gov/vcss/
• VDH Division of Injury and Violence Prevention- http://www.vahealth.org/civp
• Virginia Safe and Drug-Free Schools- http://www.safeanddrugfreeva.org/
• Bully Free Tips for Teachers- http://www.bullyfree.com/resources/teachers.php
• National Crime Prevention Council: Delete Cyberbullying- http://www.ncpc.org/newsroom/current-campaigns/cyberbullying

Assessment Ideas

• Have students complete the sentences "I feel welcome when..." and "I feel unwelcome when...". They may list many responses to each.
• Have students discuss when they feel safe and unsafe.
• Have students use their bodies (no speaking) to demonstrate different moods (happy, sad, angry, shy, fearful, confident, etc.) Discuss how changing your body language helps you avoid being teased or bullied.

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