lenny

Be a Buddy

Lesson Plan

Be a Buddy Lesson Plan

Students will learn to identify bullying behaviors, practice empathy through role-play, and develop strategies to support peers and intervene safely.

This lesson fosters a positive classroom culture, helps second graders recognize and stand up against bullying, and builds empathy and social skills to support a safe learning environment.

Audience

2nd Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussions, sorting activities, role-play, and personal reflection.

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Bullying

5 minutes

  • Gather students in a circle and display the Bullying Behavior Presentation Slides
  • Ask: “What do you think bullying means?” and record responses under “Bullying” on the chart paper
  • Define bullying and share 2–3 simple examples from the slides

Step 2

Sorting Activity

10 minutes

  • Explain that some actions hurt others (bullying) and some help others (being a buddy)
  • Distribute Empathy Scenario Cards to each pair
  • Pairs read their card, decide if it shows bullying or buddy behavior, and place it in the correct chart column
  • Review 3–4 cards as a class, discussing why each belongs in its column

Step 3

Empathy Role-Play

10 minutes

  • In pairs, students choose one of the remaining Empathy Scenario Cards
  • Partner A acts out the scenario; Partner B practices a kind, supportive response
  • Switch roles so each student practices both parts
  • Circulate to guide language and encourage empathetic actions

Step 4

Reflection

5 minutes

  • Distribute the Be a Buddy Reflection Sheet
  • Students draw or write one specific way they can be a buddy at school this week
  • Invite volunteers to share their reflections with the class
lenny
0 educators
use Lenny to create lessons.

No credit card needed

Slide Deck

Bullying vs. Being a Buddy

• What is bullying?
• Why being a buddy matters
• How we can help each other at school

Welcome students and introduce the topic. Explain that today we will learn what bullying is and how to be a buddy. Say: “Today we’re going to talk about bullying and ways we can be kind friends to others.”

What Is Bullying?

• Hurting or scaring someone on purpose
• Happens more than once over time
• Can be with words, actions, or leaving someone out

Read the definition and ask for examples. Encourage students to share times they’ve seen or heard bullying. Say: “Bullying is when someone hurts or scares another person on purpose, and it happens more than once.”

Bullying Examples

• Name-calling or teasing (“You’re so dumb!”)
• Pushing, hitting, or taking things without permission
• Leaving someone out of games or groups on purpose

Point to each example and discuss briefly. Ask: “Which of these have you seen before?” Say: “These are some common ways people bully.”

What Is Being a Buddy?

• Saying something kind or encouraging
• Including someone who feels left out
• Helping a friend who is hurt or sad

Highlight each buddy behavior. Invite students to give their own examples. Say: “Being a buddy can be as simple as including someone or saying something kind.”

lenny

Activity

Empathy Scenario Cards

These scenario cards illustrate different actions students might see at school. Use them for both the Sorting Activity (bullying vs. buddy) and the Empathy Role-Play.

Materials:

  • Print and cut apart all cards. (One card per pair.)
  • Laminate if desired for reuse.

Cards:

  1. Name-Calling
    Alex teases Maya by saying, “You’re so slow!” whenever she’s the last to finish a game.

  2. Excluding a Friend
    Jordan tells Sam, “You can’t play with us,” and walks away with the group.

  3. Taking Something
    Riley grabs Taylor’s snack without asking and eats it, then laughs when Taylor looks upset.

  4. Helping with Homework
    Chris notices Jamie struggling on a worksheet and quietly sits next to them, saying, “Want me to help you?”

  5. Including Someone
    Morgan sees Lee standing alone and says, “Come join our game!” with a friendly smile.

  6. Sharing Supplies
    Cameron offers their extra crayons to Avery who forgot theirs at home.

  7. Pushing in Line
    Blake shoves Devin forward in line to be first, even though Devin didn’t push anyone else.

  8. Listening to Feelings
    Skyler notices Robin looks sad and asks, “Do you want to talk about it?” and listens carefully.

Use in Class:

• Sorting Activity: Students decide if each card shows a bullying behavior or a buddy behavior, then place it in the correct column.

• Empathy Role-Play: Pairs choose a buddy card to practice kind responses or a bullying card to show what to do instead (e.g., how to stop or report it).

lenny
lenny

Worksheet

Be a Buddy Reflection Sheet

Think about today’s lesson on bullying and being a buddy. Draw or write one specific way you can be a buddy at school this week.

Draw Your Idea













Write About Your Idea

I will be a buddy by: ________________________________






lenny
lenny