October is National Bullying Prevention Month!
In high school, my Government teacher gave us paper gingerbread men to color. When we were done, she told us to rip off an arm, a leg, and then the head. She said the torn limbs were a result of our hurtful words. Then she instructed us to tape the ripped pieces back together while saying nice things to our little gingerbread friends. She pointed out that even though we "fixed" our gingerbread friends, the rips were still visible because hurtful words leave scars.
|I still have my gingerbread lady from high school.|
Teach your kids this valuable lesson, and set an example by not saying hurtful things to people you know.
1. Trace gingerbread men onto paper and cut them out.
2. Give the gingerbread men to the kids to color. They can give it a face and clothes. Whatever they want.
3. When they are done, instruct them to tell their gingerbread friend “You’re stupid.” And have them rip off one of the gingerbread man’s arms.
TIP: I did this with my nephews. The youngest was all too happy to rip off parts of the gingerbread man and laughed as he told the gingerbread he was stupid, but the oldest was resistant. He didn’t want to ruin what he had just done. If this happens, reassure the child that their friend will be taped up soon.
4. Have the kids tell their gingerbread friend, “You’re ugly.” And have them rip off one of the legs. Finally have them say, “I hate you!” And let them rip off the head.
5. Now is the time to explain to them how words can be hurtful. “See what the things you said did to your gingerbread man?”
6. When they grasp the idea, it’s time for them to say kind things to their gingerbread friend. “You’re smart.” Help them to tape the arm back on. “You’re pretty.” Tape the leg back on. “I love you!” Tape the head back on.
7. But point out to the kids that the rips can still be seen.
Lesson: When you say something mean to a friend, it hurts and leaves a mark. Not even saying kind things afterward can make those scars disappear completely. That’s why it’s not nice to bully anyone. And if you see someone being bullied, tell a teacher or an adult.
|My nephews' gingerbread men.|
QUESTION: Were you bullied as a child?
I was bullied on the school bus by a girl who would take my things. Even if I changed seats, she'd follow to sit right in front of me. Later I was bullied at school for my clothes, shoes, eyebrows, ears, how skinny I was, and even the color of my nail polish. At home I was bullied by my siblings for being the youngest as well as for writing stories.