Mind matters Series
Bullying
What’s inside...
Teasing. Spreading rumours. Leaving someone out on purpose. These are types of bullying, and bullying is never okay. You have the power to stop bullying by using respect and kindness, and this is an important power to have.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters in the story feel when they were being bullied?
What are some ways the characters could have asked for help?
Can you think of a time when you saw someone being treated unfairly? What did you do?
Why is it important to treat everyone with kindness and respect?
What can we do together as a family to help prevent bullying?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own feelings about bullying and why it's important to stand up against it.
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the book and relate them to their own experiences.
Reinforce the message that it’s okay to ask for help from adults when they witness or experience bullying.
Discuss the importance of empathy and understanding how others might feel in different situations.
Empower your child by brainstorming ways they can contribute to a kinder, more inclusive community at school or in the neighborhood.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The book 'Bullying' demonstrates empathy by showing how different characters feel when they are bullied, and the changes in their emotions once they share their experiences.
Real-World Application: Children can use this understanding to recognize and consider the feelings of others in their interactions, fostering a kinder and more inclusive environment at school or in playgroups.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: Through the storyline, children learn about resilience as the characters face bullying but gradually learn to overcome their challenges through various coping strategies.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that they can find ways to cope with difficult situations and emerge stronger, applying this resilience to any challenges they face in life.
Example Lesson: The importance of seeking help
Explanation: The book encourages children to not keep their troubles to themselves and shows the positive outcomes when characters seek help from trusted adults or friends.
Real-World Application: Children are taught to seek help from teachers, parents, or trusted individuals when they face any form of bullying or uncomfortable situation.
Example Lesson: Inclusivity
Explanation: Characters in the book learn to include everyone despite their differences, which combats bullying and promotes a supportive community.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in everyday life by encouraging children to include all peers in activities, thereby promoting inclusivity and preventing isolation among children.