Lesson Plan
Be a B.R.A.V.E. Ally!
Students will learn to identify different forms of bullying, understand the impact of their actions, and practice using the B.R.A.V.E. acronym to effectively intervene and promote positive social interactions.
Learning to be an ally against bullying is essential for creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful school environment where all students feel valued and supported. It empowers students to stand up for themselves and others.
Audience
8th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and scenario practice.
Prep
Review Materials
10 minutes
Review the Lesson Plan: Be a B.R.A.V.E. Ally!, Slide Deck: Be a B.R.A.V.E. Ally!, Discussion Guide: Be a B.R.A.V.E. Ally!, and Role-Play Scenarios: Be a B.R.A.V.E. Ally!. Prepare to lead discussions and facilitate role-playing.
Step 1
Warm-Up: What Does 'Brave' Mean?
5 minutes
Begin by asking students: "What does it mean to be brave?" Facilitate a brief discussion. Introduce the idea of being brave not just for oneself, but for others, especially in situations involving bullying. Use Slide Deck: Be a B.R.A.V.E. Ally! Slide 1-2.
Step 2
Introduction to B.R.A.V.E.
10 minutes
Introduce the B.R.A.V.E. acronym as a tool for anti-bullying and social skills. Explain each letter:
Be a Buddy: Befriend someone who is alone or being targeted.
Report: Tell a trusted adult.
Assert Yourself: Confidently tell the bully to stop.
Voice Out: Speak up and defend the target.
Empower Others: Encourage others to be allies.
Discuss scenarios for each letter using Slide Deck: Be a B.R.A.V.E. Ally! Slides 3-8 and the Discussion Guide: Be a B.R.A.V.E. Ally!.
Step 3
Role-Play Scenarios
10 minutes
Divide students into small groups. Provide each group with one or two Role-Play Scenarios: Be a B.R.A.V.E. Ally! focusing on different types of bullying and how to apply the B.R.A.V.E. steps. Have groups briefly present their role-plays or discuss their strategies. Circulate and provide feedback. Use Slide Deck: Be a B.R.A.V.E. Ally! Slide 9.
Step 4
Cool-Down: Ally Pledge
5 minutes
Lead a quick class discussion reflecting on the importance of being a B.R.A.V.E. ally. Ask students to share one way they commit to being a B.R.A.V.E. ally. Conclude by having students collectively agree to try and be a B.R.A.V.E. ally in their daily lives. Use Slide Deck: Be a B.R.A.V.E. Ally! Slide 10.
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Slide Deck
Be a B.R.A.V.E. Ally!
What does it mean to be brave?
- Is it just for superheroes?
- Can everyday actions be brave?
- How does bravery connect to helping others?
Welcome students and introduce the lesson's topic: being a brave ally against bullying. Ask them what comes to mind when they hear the word 'brave.' Encourage varied responses and validate all contributions.
Beyond Personal Bravery
Being an Ally
- It's about speaking up.
- It's about taking action.
- It's about helping others feel safe and valued.
Transition from general bravery to bravery in social situations, specifically bullying. Explain that being a 'B.R.A.V.E. Ally' means actively choosing to stand up for what's right and support others.
Introducing B.R.A.V.E.
A powerful tool for positive change!
Be a Buddy
Report
Assert Yourself
Voice Out
Empower Others
Introduce the B.R.A.V.E. acronym as a memorable tool. Explain that each letter provides a strategy for how to be an effective ally against bullying.
B is for Buddy
Be a Buddy
- Reach out to someone sitting alone.
- Invite someone new to join your group.
- Show kindness and inclusion.
Elaborate on 'Be a Buddy'. Discuss how simple acts of inclusion can make a huge difference. Ask students for examples.
R is for Report
Report
- Tell a trusted adult (teacher, parent, counselor).
- Use school reporting systems (if available).
- Reporting keeps everyone safe.
Explain 'Report'. Emphasize that reporting is not 'tattling' when someone is being harmed. Discuss trusted adults and different ways to report.
A is for Assert Yourself
Assert Yourself
- Confidently tell the bully to stop.
- Use a clear, firm voice.
- "Hey, that's not cool. Leave them alone."
Discuss 'Assert Yourself'. Focus on confident, clear communication without being aggressive. Practice assertive statements if time allows.
V is for Voice Out
Voice Out
- Speak up for the target.
- Gather other friends to stand with you.
- Make it clear that bullying is unacceptable.
Explain 'Voice Out'. This is about speaking up on behalf of the person being bullied. It can be challenging but powerful.
E is for Empower Others
Empower Others
- Encourage your friends to be allies.
- Share what you've learned about B.R.A.V.E.
- Build a positive, supportive community.
Detail 'Empower Others'. Encourage students to inspire their peers to also be allies and create a culture of support.
Putting B.R.A.V.E. into Practice
Role-Play Scenarios
- Work in small groups.
- Use the B.R.A.V.E. steps.
- Practice being an ally in different situations.
Introduce the role-play activity. Explain that practicing these skills helps make them second nature. Distribute the role-play scenarios and assign groups.
Your B.R.A.V.E. Ally Pledge
What one B.R.A.V.E. action will you commit to?
- How can you apply this today?
- Together, we can create a safer school.
Lead the cool-down. Ask students to reflect on one commitment they can make. End with a collective pledge.
Discussion
Discussion Guide: Be a B.R.A.V.E. Ally!
Use these prompts to guide a rich discussion with your students during the lesson.
Warm-Up: What Does 'Brave' Mean? (5 minutes)
- What comes to mind when you hear the word "brave"?
- Can you think of everyday examples of bravery?
- How might being brave involve helping someone else?
Exploring B.R.A.V.E. (10 minutes)
B - Be a Buddy
- When might someone need a buddy at school?
- What are some easy ways to be a buddy to someone who seems lonely or excluded?
R - Report
- Why is reporting bullying important, even if you're not the one being bullied?
- Who are trusted adults at school or home that you could report to?
- What's the difference between 'reporting' and 'tattling'?
A - Assert Yourself
- What does it mean to "assert yourself"? How is it different from being aggressive?
- What are some phrases you could use to tell a bully to stop?
V - Voice Out
- Why might it be difficult to voice out against bullying?
- What's the power of having more than one person voice out?
E - Empower Others
- How can you encourage your friends to be B.R.A.V.E. allies?
- What does an empowered, bully-free school community look like?
Activity
Role-Play Scenarios: Be a B.R.A.V.E. Ally!
Work in your groups to act out or discuss how you would use the B.R.A.V.E. steps in these situations. Be prepared to share your strategies with the class!
Scenario 1: The Excluded New Student
Situation: A new student, Alex, has just joined your class. During lunch, you notice Alex sitting alone, looking a little sad, while a group of your classmates are laughing and whispering, occasionally glancing in Alex's direction.
Your Challenge: How can you be a B.R.A.V.E. ally to Alex? Which steps of B.R.A.V.E. apply here?
Scenario 2: Cyberbullying Comment
Situation: You're scrolling through social media, and you see a mean comment posted about another student, Maya, on a public post. Several other students have liked the comment.
Your Challenge: How would you respond as a B.R.A.V.E. ally? What are the specific actions you can take?
Scenario 3: Hallway Harassment
Situation: In the crowded hallway between classes, you overhear a student, Sam, making fun of another student's (Jamie's) clothes. Jamie looks uncomfortable and tries to walk away, but Sam follows, making louder comments.
Your Challenge: How can you intervene safely and effectively using the B.R.A.V.E. framework? What if Sam is bigger or more popular than you?
Scenario 4: Friend Group Exclusion
Situation: Your close group of friends often makes plans without including another student, Chris, who used to be part of your circle. Lately, they've been spreading rumors about Chris and making jokes behind their back.
Your Challenge: How can you address this situation with your friends and support Chris as a B.R.A.V.E. ally, without alienating your friends?