Working Together To Stop Bullying

Students will:

• Be able to engage in a collaborative discussion, using a video conferencing tool, for the purpose of obtaining multiple viewpoints on an issue.
• Be able to compile information obtained from the video conference(s) into a shared document.
• Be able to compose specific questions regarding the topic to ask the guest(s)
• Be able to review the key ideas expressed by the guests and draw logical conclusions based on the information obtained.

Vocabulary Words:

1. Collaboration: Collaboration is the action of working with someone to produce or create something.

To prepare for this lesson:

• The teacher will need to be familiar with the collaboration tool they choose to have students use (e.g. Google Meets, Zoom or Skype).
• The teacher will need to schedule video conferences with several individuals affected by bullying (e.g.: parents, victims of bullying, school principals, reformed bullies, etc.).
• Please note that children should be monitored by an adult whenever engaging in a video conference. Teachers should check with their district technology leader prior to engaging in a video conference.
• If using Google Meet - In schools, users must be 13+ or led by a teacher.
• Watch this tutorial 9+ AMAZING Google Meet Tips You Should Know (in 2023)!

See the Accommodations Page and Charts on the 21things4students website in the Teacher Resources. 

Directions for this activity:

1. The teacher will lead a whole group discussion about bullying and the negative effects that bullying can have on a classroom.

2. The teacher will introduce the idea of video-conferencing and let students know that they will be meeting with to discuss their experiences with bullying. The teacher will also share that the goal of the discussion is to learn more about the ways in which bullying affects others and to create a No Bullying campaign for their classroom, designed to keep all students safe.

3. Within small groups, students will brainstorm specific questions to ask each of the guests with whom they will be video-conferencing.  It may be helpful for students to decide who will ask a given question, in order to reduce confusion during the actual video-conference call.

4. Using a video-conferencing tool, such as Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet,  students will discuss their questions and concerns regarding bullying.

5. Additionally, students will brainstorm possible solutions and develop a plan for creating a No Bullying campaign within their classroom.

6. Students will compile notes and ideas from the discussion within a shared Google Document.

7. Students will work together to create a No Bullying campaign within their classroom based on the information and ideas shared. Examples: Creation of Anti-Bullying Posters, Creation of Short Public Service Announcement Videos, Persuasive Speeches, Persuasive Essays, etc.

Possible Extensions:

• Students could use information obtained during the video conferences in order to create a skit or presentation for younger students.
• Small groups of students might video conference with lower elementary classrooms in order to share what they learned about the effects of bullying and what the younger students might do to prevent bullying from happening in their classrooms.

Different options for assessing the students:

• Observations
• Check for understanding

• The teacher will informally assess students during the video-conference. If the teacher conducts a more formal evaluation, he/she may consider a checklist containing the following:

  • The student was an attentive listener, as evidenced by not talking when the guest was speaking and taking notes on information shared.

  • The student responded to questions in an appropriate manner.

  • The student was able to apply ideas gained from the discussion in order to voice ideas for ways in which his/her class might design a No Bullying campaign.