Some feelings and perceptions are best expressed through art, and these activities encourage the exploration of bullying using creative approaches.
Campaign Poster
Summary: Groups work together to come up with a slogan and a poster to remind others not to bully
Target grades: 4th and above
Minimum time needed: 40 minutes
Materials: poster boards; art supplies
Connection to bullying: Slogans and …
Announcements
Summary: Participants develop positive messages for morning/afternoon announcements to share with the school/program.
Target Grades: 6th grade and above
Length of Activity: Approx. 15-20 minutes
Materials: Paper and pencils/pens
Connection to bullying: A hallmark of Homeroom is the morning/school announcements. …
Anti-bullying Pledge
Summary: Groups of participants work together to create a pledge.
Target Grades: 6th grade and above
Minimum time needed: 30 minutes
Materials: Computer with internet access. NOTE: before doing this exercise, make sure your classroom computer has JAVA installed and …
Computer Wordle
Summary:
A Wordle is a tool to develop a visual image of words as they reflect the feelings of a group. The words are assigned an order based on how frequently they are mentioned, and then put into an …
What’s Cool: An Expressive Exercise in Bystander Action
Summary: Groups of participants identify ways that bystanders can help reduce bullying and perform these for other groups.
Target Grades: 6th grade and above
Minimum time needed: Approx 25 minutes
Materials: Art supplies (optional)
Connection to bullying: Kids are often …
Bullying Discussion
Summary: Participants have a facilitated discussion about bullying
Target Grades: 6th grade and above
Minimum time needed: Approx. 20 minutes
Materials: White board; pencil and paper
Connection to bullying: Discussing bullying helps students identify how they are different/ how they …
Reflections on Selfies
Summary: The goal of this exercise is to have each student draw a “selfie” that depicts something they like about themselves, and then have classmates provide positive comments.
Target Grades: 6th grade and above
Minimum Length: Approx. 25 minutes
Materials:…
Appreciative Inquiry: Describe, Dream, Deliver
Summary: Appreciative Inquiry uses images to invoke feelings and reflect on the meaning of these feelings. The goal of the project is to use images to self-reflect and discuss how bullying can influence the school community and what can collectively …
Photovoice
Summary: Photovoice uses photographs taken by students to express their perceptions and influence their environment. The goal of the project is to create an attitude, understanding, and ability to thoughtfully contribute to a school climate that is intolerant of bullying.…
Interactive Restorative Justice
Summary: Restorative Justice applies restoration instead of punishment when someone has wronged another. The approach focuses on the victim, family, and school, with the intention of finding a way for the offender to take responsibility and make the situation right. …
Complete the Scene
Summary: Students act out a real-life bullying situation and, as a class, explore alternative ways to handle conflict (based on the Theatre of the Oppressed exercise).
Target grades: 6th and above
Minimum time needed: one class period
Materials needed: none…
Finish the Scene
*To do this exercise, use the scene from Out of Bounds (included).
A different scene may be used, however is important to choose a scene where there is obvious conflict so the student actors are working to solve a problem.…
Tableau
Summary: Students act out a story about bullying using their bodies instead of words.
Target grades: 4th and above
Minimum time needed: 40 minutes
Connections to Bullying: Understanding how choices affect other people; exploring the role bystanders can play in …
Newspaper Article/Point of View
Summary: Students will complete an in depth analysis of a story about bullying from the news and examine multiple points of view helping them build empathy for people who are different/unfamiliar.
Target grades: 7th and above
Minimum time needed: two …
Appreciative Inquiry – Reflective Selfies
Summary: Selfies are an everyday part of children’s lives, and they provide a method of expression. We often hear about selfies in negative ways – those that lead to hurt feelings or are spread beyond their intended audiences. Selfies, however, …
