Bullying: A Case Study in Ostracism from Facing History
Facing History and Ourselves recently launched their new online resource, Bullying: A Case Study in Ostracism. Based on their other initiatives, including their core curriculum, I knew it would be good but it exceeded all my expectations. Before I get into why you’ll thank me for bringing this to your attention, especially if you’re a […]
If You’re Working on Bullying Prevention…Keep Going!
Do you ever wonder if this is worth the effort? In the Northeast, it’s the end of the school year. Principals, teachers, counselors…and yes, parents…are exhausted. If you’ve been working or volunteering your time to help kids learn how to treat each other better…or to help those who have already been the target, rest for […]
Iraq, The Bronx and Empathy
I know I ranted a bit through yesterday’s blog about Reality TV so it may be a little ironic that today’s post is about sharing something I saw on TV. Here’s a segment from last night’s PBS NewsHour. It’s about a teacher in the Bronx using curriculum provided by the Morningside Center for Teaching Social […]
THINK Before You Speak
A friend of mine who has three young daughters just sent “THINK” to me. Nancy is a believer in teaching her children from a young age to respect others and to expect respect in return. To do this, it takes the 3R’s we don’t normally think of when we think about elementary school education: reflection, […]
Parents and the Pain of Bullying
My heart aches for all parents who are suffering watching their child be ostracized, physically bullied, called names or hurt online. It’s one of the hardest things a parent can go through. It causes a flood of negative emotions. The frustration is enormous and the fact that there is no crystal ball indicating when and […]
Bully Free Summer Vacation
Summer has such a nice ring to it. It conjures up wonderful thoughts of lazy days and relaxed fun — unless you’re working and your child is having friendship problems. The pain that bullying brings during the school year can spill over to vacation time and not only cause continued heartache but a practical problem, […]
Elementary School Graduation and Teaching Gratitude
My husband and I call this the “Season of Clapping.” Between graduations and awards ceremonies, your hands start hurting. It can also be a season of gratitude and a good time to teach kids to be thankful for the people in their lives. As part of the Be the One leadership program at Our Lady […]
Facebook Is OK for Kids: LOLJK
You’re a fat pig. LOLJK* You’re so gay it makes me sick. LOLJK What’s wrong with you? LOLJK You smell. LOLJK What kind of outfit is that? Loser. LOLJK You are soooooooooo stupid. LOLJK Want to be my friend? Over 7.5 MILLION kids under the required minimum age of 13 are on Facebook, according to […]
If I Was Asked to Give a TED Talk about Bullying
My daughter, Alice-Kate, just sent me this TED Talk with Ric Elias, who survived the Hudson River plane crash in January 2009. Like most TED Talks, it’s thought provoking and it made me wonder what I would say in a TED Talk about bullying prevention. My talk might start with something like this: The pain […]
Thoughts on Early Bullying Prevention from the Street — Sesame That Is.
All roads lead to Sesame Street. Last week, a colleague/friend of mine forwarded a link to me about bullying. I had worked with Allen at Nickelodeon and again at Sesame Workshop. When I opened the link, it was the Sesame Family Newsletter and low and behold, it was an article written by another Sesame Street […]
