Step Forward, Step Back

Step Forward, Step Back 6/7 Bullying Activity

Teaching Point: Today we are trying to put students in a situation where they can physically see the advantages and disadvantages in their lives. They may be uncomfortable at points, but the end goal is for them to make connections to our Dunckel Values and how we treat others. The discussion questions at the end provide an opportunity to have the students share what they experienced.

Step Forward, Step Back,

Directions: Everyone starts out on a line in the middle of the room facing one wall. Participants are asked to listen to each statement and to respond if it applies to them. They are asked to do the exercise silently so that they can notice the feelings that come up for them.

Read to the kids: Participation in this game is voluntary. If I ask a question that you are not comfortable answering, you can simply stand where you are, or lie. It is not always safe for us to tell the truth or reveal who we are because we’re afraid of how people will treat us. Please do this exercise in silence. If you don’t hear a question, ask me and I will repeat it. If you don’t understand a question, either make a guess or don’t respond to it. Step Forward Step Back 1. If you ever heard someone being made 1. If you ever heard someone being made fun of about where they live. fun about what jobs their parents have.

2. If you ever heard someone being made 2. If you ever heard someone being made fun of about the clothes they wore. fun of about their hair (color, length, etc.)

3. If you ever heard someone being made 3. If you ever heard someone being fun of for the food they bring to lunch. bullied for the color of their skin.

4. If you ever heard someone being made 4. If you ever heard someone being made fun of for the type of music they listen to. fun of for liking school.

5. If you ever heard someone use 5. If you ever heard someone use “gay” “retarded” to describe a person or activity in to describe a person or activity in a a derogatory way. derogatory way.

6. If you have ever heard someone being 6. If you have ever heard someone make bullied for the way they smell. fun of someone else for not having money.

7. If you have ever heard someone being 7. If you have ever heard someone being bullied for being disabled. bullied for size (short/tall, thin/fat).

8. If you have ever heard someone being 8. If you have ever heard someone being made fun of for what math class they are in. made fun of because of whom they are being raised by.

9. If you ever heard someone being bullied 9. If you have ever heard someone being because of their ethnicity/cultural bullied because of their looks. background?

10. If you have ever heard someone being 10. If you have ever heard someone being made fun of for their religious beliefs. made fun of for the grades they get. (good or bad)

11. If you have ever heard someone being 11. If you have ever heard someone being made fun of for whom they hang out with. made fun of for what they do on the weekends. (tutoring, not going out) The activity today shows us that each person has a different background. We each have advantages and disadvantages in our lives. This activity shows us just how those advantages and disadvantages affect our lives. As a group let’s discuss how we felt about our steps forward and back.

1. How did it feel to step forward? How did it feel to step back?

2. What do you think the point of this activity was?

3. How do you feel when you hear someone bullied or made fun of?

4. How does it feel to hear someone being bullied about something they can’t change?

5. Why do you think people bully?

6. How does bullying relate to your school code of Respect Yourself, Respect Each Other, and Respect Our School?

7. How comfortable are you to step in and intervene when someone is being bullied? Why should we be involved?

8. Going back to Mr. Archer’s message at the beginning of the day… What would a bullying free environment look and feel like?