Act It Out: Bye-Bye Bully!

Erin Waterhouse

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Act It Out: Bye-Bye Bully!

Students will be able to distinguish between rude, mean, and bullying behaviors and practice appropriate, positive responses through role-playing scenarios.

Understanding the nuances of rude, mean, and bullying behaviors empowers students to navigate social situations more effectively, stand up for themselves and others, and contribute to a kinder classroom and school community.

Audience

3rd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive role-playing

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Act It Out: Bye-Bye Bully! Slide Deck, Act It Out Activity Cards, and Optional: Small prizes or stickers for participation

Prep

Review Materials and Set Up

10 minutes

Review the Act It Out: Bye-Bye Bully! Lesson Plan, Act It Out: Bye-Bye Bully! Slide Deck, and Act It Out Activity Cards.
Make sure the projector/whiteboard is ready for the slide deck.
Print and cut out the Act It Out Activity Cards, enough for each small group to have several scenarios.
Arrange the classroom for small group work or ensure there is space for students to role-play scenarios comfortably.

Step 1

Warm-Up: What's the Difference?

5 minutes

Begin by projecting the first slide: 'Rude, Mean, or Bullying: What's the Big Deal?'
Ask students to share their initial thoughts on what makes something rude, mean, or bullying. (Facilitate a brief class discussion, guiding them to understand that intent, repetition, and power imbalance are key factors).

Step 2

Mini-Lesson: Defining the Terms

5 minutes

Use the Act It Out: Bye-Bye Bully! Slide Deck to clearly define 'Rude,' 'Mean,' and 'Bullying' with simple examples.
Emphasize that 'rude' is often accidental, 'mean' is usually on purpose but not repeated, and 'bullying' is repeated, intentional, and involves a power imbalance.
Ask students for examples of each, encouraging them to think of common school situations.

Step 3

Activity: Act It Out Scenarios

15 minutes

Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group).
Explain that each group will receive a few Act It Out Activity Cards with scenarios.
Their task is to:
1. Read the scenario.
2. Discuss if it's rude, mean, or bullying.
3. Brainstorm one or two positive ways the character experiencing the behavior could respond.
4. Act out the scenario, showing both the initial behavior and the positive response.
Circulate among groups, providing support and facilitating discussion. Encourage creativity and empathy in their responses.
After a few minutes, have a few groups share one of their scenarios and responses with the whole class.

Step 4

Cool-Down: Takeaway Thoughts

5 minutes

Bring the class back together.
Project the final slide: 'Your Superpower: Kind Words & Actions!'
Ask students: 'What was one important thing you learned today about dealing with rude, mean, or bullying behaviors?'
Have students share their reflections, focusing on strategies like speaking up, telling a trusted adult, or walking away. Reiterate that everyone has a role in creating a positive environment.

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Slide Deck

Rude, Mean, or Bullying: What's the Big Deal?

Let's talk about how we treat each other and how we can make our school a super kind place!

Welcome students and introduce the topic. Ask them to think about what these words mean to them.

What is RUDE?

Rude:

Usually NOT on purpose.
Accidental.
Not meant to hurt feelings, but it might.

Example: Someone accidentally bumps into you and doesn't say "excuse me."

Define 'Rude' clearly. Give an example and ask students for their own. Emphasize it's often accidental.

What is MEAN?

Mean:

Done on purpose.
Meant to hurt feelings.
Usually a one-time thing or not repeated over and over.

Example: Someone calls you a name one time because they are mad.

Define 'Mean' clearly. Give an example and ask students for their own. Emphasize it's on purpose but not repeated.

What is BULLYING?

Bullying:

Done on purpose.
REPEATED over and over.
Involves a POWER IMBALANCE (one person has more power than the other, like being bigger, older, or having more friends).

Example: Someone keeps tripping you on purpose every day at recess.

Define 'Bullying' clearly. Give an example and ask students for their own. Emphasize the three key parts: on purpose, repeated, and power imbalance.

Time to Act It Out!

In your groups, you will get activity cards.

Read the scenario.
Decide: Rude, Mean, or Bullying?
Most important: How can the person experiencing the behavior respond in a positive way?
Act it out!

Explain the activity and transition to group work. Remind them to think about their responses.

Your Superpower: Kind Words & Actions!

You have the power to make a difference!

Use your voice to speak up.
Tell a trusted adult.
Walk away if you need to.
Be a friend to others.

Together, we can create a super kind school!

Concluding slide for reflection. Encourage students to use their newfound skills.

Activity

Act It Out: Bye-Bye Bully! Activity Cards

Card 1: The Accidental Spill

Scenario: You are sitting at lunch, and someone accidentally bumps into your arm, spilling a little bit of their juice on your shirt. They don't seem to notice and keep walking.