Ten Effective Ways to Create a Bully-free Classroom

We all know that bullying exists and is having a disastrous impact on the health and well-being of our students throughout our country and beyond. What we need to know is what we can do about it so that every child is cherished and respected and has an opportunity to achieve their unique potential in a kind and affirming community.


What I want to do with this article is provide busy teachers with a easily accessible guide that provides them with effective tips, tools and techniques to develop a bully free classroom.
While It might be unrealistic to think that one teacher can stop bullying in our entire school we can do a great deal to stop bullying in our classroom and in so doing sow seeds of peaceful co-existence that will have a positive impact on both staff and students. From every seed a mighty oak does grow.
It is important to realize that people bully others because it works for them and we let them get away with it. If we can make it so it doesn't work for them and we won't let them get away with it we have a good chance changing this destructive behaviour.

Why do bullies bully? Well, they bully others for 4 reasons.

1. Attention

2. Power
3. Revenge
4. Inadequacy.

When attempting to put a stop to antisocial behaviour we must always keep in mind what motivates it. Responding to the behaviour without considering and responding to what motivates it is futile.
Here are just ten strategies that work. Give them a try and watch great things happens.

1. At the beginning of the year have class discussions on the kind of classroom we want to have. Have the students be as specific as possible. This will form the basis of a class vision and values statement which will be displayed on the wall for future reference. Use the vision statement as the standard by which the class can challenge behaviour that doesn't support class values. When people of all ages get together to set standards they always set the bar high so build on this fact.

2. CHARM your classroom. This is an acronym that stands for Communication, Humour, Attitude, Recognition and Mutual Respect. These elements alone will do wonders to create a bully free classroom.

3. Celebrate and affirm the giftedness of each student. Every child has a unique gift that can and should be celebrated and in so doing have a positive impact on the social fabric of your class. Find it and affirm it in the presence of the class and watch great things happen. It is difficult to bite the hands that affirm you.

4. Try the 2 for 10 strategy to connect and develop rapport with difficult students. It is a simple strategy that works wonders. All you have to do is spend 2 minutes per day for 10 days in a row with a difficult student in light conversation. Ask questions about their likes, dislikes, interests, hobbies etc. Just get them talking and listen carefully to what they have to say. There is nothing more flattering or bonding as the undivided attention of another human being. This is nothing more than a relationship building exercise to show a young person you care. Remember that student will never care what you think until they think that you care.

5. Be the change you want to see in your class. Both students and teacher must challenge one another in creating a social climate free of sarcasm, ridicule and putdowns.

6. Turn your class into and ICU (Intensive Caring Unit). Remember that love is the most powerful healing force in the universe. Put its power to work creating a thoughtful, caring and compassionate community.

7. If there is a child in your class who has a reputation as a bully try to get them on your side. Give them a productive task to do and affirm their efforts and results both privately and publicly.

8. To develop empathy among your students get the students writing on How Would You Feel If... (Use stories and photos from the newspaper to stimulate their empathic response) Class bulletin boards on the topic are also effective.

9. Have a Compassion Board illustrating people responding to human need locally, nationally and internationally. If exposure to violence in the media can foster insensitivity then exposure to peace, compassion and non-violence can foster sensitivity.

10. Promote the acceptance of others not tolerance. We as humans want to be accepted, respected and appreciated, not tolerated.

These ten ways to bully proof your classroom are from a, soon to be published, special report by the same name.

Mike is a former teacher who now speaks to teachers and parents throughout Canada and the USA on teacher/parent relations, teacher stress and burnout and on taming toxic bullies among us.

To look into having Mike speak to your parent or teacher group visit
http://motivationalplus.com/cgi/a/t.cgi?motplus

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