Bullying Role Play
Bullying is a pattern of aggressive behavior that has the intention of hurting another person. Schools try to create a safe environment where children are free from this kind of behavior, but that is not always the case. In order for classrooms to be prepared to handle bullying, try to role play the behavior. For example, allow students to play the different roles, i.e. the bully, the victim and a by-stander. Be sure all students can define what bullying is and what they can do to defend themselves or to help someone else. Be sure to define your role as a teacher to help students who might be involved in being bullied or see it occurring.
This role-playing exercise does several things. It allows students to understand what bullying is so they can identify it if it happens. It also allows students to have a solution in advance so they will not be caught off guard not knowing what to do. It also creates a classroom environment where peers know that it is unacceptable to be a bully and to understand the consequences in advance.
by Allyson Willis