Bully B.E.A.N.S.

In second grade we've begun our conversations about bullying.  The term "bullying" is often thrown around in conversation when actual bullying is not taking place.  It's important for us to teach our students the true meaning of the word "bullying" so they use it properly and can help inform others.  A great story that I like to use to introduce bullying is Bully B.E.A.N.S. by Julia Cook.

In the story a character named Bobette does not treat other friends kindly.  One of the students that is targeted by Bobette goes home upset and tells her mom about what has been happening.  Her mother has the remedy: Bully B.E.A.N.S.!  Bully B.E.A.N.S. are magic jelly beans that when chewed up remind kids that they have the power to stop bullies.  The B.E.A.N.S. stands for:

 

Bullies

Everywhere

Are

Now

Stopped

Although students find out that the Bully B.E.A.N.S. are just regular jelly beans, they enjoy the fact that these little colorful beans have given the characters in the story the courage to stand up to bullies.  After eating a handful of our own bully B.E.A.N.S. (that I bring in a fancy jar), we then brainstorm possible solutions of what we can do when bullying occurs.  Students use these ideas and more of their own to complete the handout, demonstrating they know what to do if a bullying situation should occur.  You can download the handout I used here from Nicole Freed's TeachersPayTeachers shop.

I also created this easy to read poster to hang in their classrooms as a reference for when they think they might be in a bullying situation.  You can download it here.