Proud of My School

Grades: 
3, 4, 5

We all want our schools and other places we gather to feel safe, a place we all can be ourselves. In this lesson, we explore how respecting ourselves and others can promote an inclusive and safe community of belonging.

Duration 
PrintOne 45-Minute Class Period
Objectives 

The learner will:

  • identify practices that build safe spaces and a respectful environment.
Materials 

optional: lesson on Understanding Discrimination

Vocabulary 
  • bully: a person who uses strength or power to intimidate someone who is weaker
  • conflict: a serious disagreement or argument
  • victim: one who is acted upon, harmed or subjected to mistreatment
  • teasing: making fun of someone

Instructions

Print
  1. Anticipatory Set:

    We need to be connected to others in "communities" and feel a sense of belonging and shared purpose. Communities may be interest/activity groups, clubs, neighborhoods, classrooms, and faith-based groups. Brainstorm descriptors of a group that is good to be around.

  2. Discuss why it is important for people in a group to show curiosity and respect for people who are different. They may have experienced or observed people treating people who are different than them as "weird." How is a group stronger when it is made up of very different viewpoints? 

  3. Together, decide on some group agreements. These are a few statements that describe how we are going to act and participate together. Here is more information on group agreements. 

  4. Bullying is a practice that does not show respect for others in a group. Read aloud either My Secret Bully or Chrysanthemum. Discuss how the victim of the teasing might have felt. Discuss why the person might have chosen to tease. Talk about some ways to stop teasing (some ideas include walking away, making a joke, and agreeing with the teaser - as in "yeah, my name is funny.") 

Philanthropy Framework

  1. Strand PHIL.II Philanthropy and Civil Society
    1. Standard PCS 06. Philanthropy in History
      1. Benchmark E.2 Give an example of an individual who used social action to remedy an unjust condition.