Watch the YouTube Video: Be Bully Free Elementary School Program

Education Secretary Arne Duncan stated in his August 2010 speech that "A school where children don't feel safe is a school where children struggle to learn." From a 2007 study, he reported that one in three students is the victim of bullying. Obviously, some sort of pro-active anti-bullying program is a necessity for each elementary school.

There are many fine anti-bullying programs from which to choose. One option is the BE BULLY FREE Elementary School program conducted by Professional Storyteller and Conflict Resolution Specialist Debbie Dunn. Her program is guaranteed to help promote a positive school climate, to help reduce school absenteeism, and to help reduce the negative effects of bullying.

Scroll down to the end of the article to watch the YouTube video that further describes the program.

For a full description of the program that correlates with the video, click BE BULLY FREE to see the PDF file that you can view or download to show to your school.

This is an all-day program. At the beginning of the day, Debbie gives an all-school assembly where she tells three solo tales. These stories teach anti-bullying techniques. The stories also stress the importance of practicing your talents and skills.

Next, she meets with 49 target students who will be the actors in a 7-Act Play called "No Bullies in the Kingdom." The play rehearsal will last for two hours. Debbie plays the role of Grandmother Frog. She also acts as the narrator and director of this play. The student actors wear one-size fits all poncho costumes depicting their particular character such as Lion, Tiger, Carl Coyote, Super Spy Squirrel, etc.

After lunch, the entire school gathers again to watch the 7-Act Play. This is a 50-minute performance.

Act 1 Carl Coyote Saves The Day

Description: A man dropped a cigarette underneath a tree, the home of the bees, crows, and squirrels. Can Super Spy Squirrel find an animal big enough to stop the fire before it transforms into a forest fire?

Act 2: Lion And Tiger Bully Carl Coyote

Description: Lion and Tiger bully Carl Coyote on a regular basis. Some of the forest animals find out and offer Coyote their friendship. That made Coyote feel a little better. Unfortunately, he knows Lion and Tiger plan to bully him again soon? What will he do?

Act 3: Carl Coyote Becomes A Bully

Description: Carl Coyote was feelings so flat and deflated from being bullied regularly by Lion and Tiger. Sadly, he decided the only way to feel puffed-up and inflated was to become a bully himself. Watch what happens when he joins that chain of pain.

Act 4: Bully Chain Of Pain

Description: At a meeting, the animals discuss the Bully Chain of Pain. The boys and girls work out their conflict. A plan is discussed to teach Coyote it is NOT okay to be a bully. 'I Messages' and other techniques are taught to deal with bullies.

Act 5: Eagle & Friends Confront Carl Coyote

Description: Eagle and her friends tell Carl Coyote that it is NOT okay to be a bully. Instead, he should focus on his talents and skills. Then the four boys he bullied use I Messages to get him to stop bullying them. Coyote apologizes.

Act 6: Coyote Is Saved From The Hunters

Description: Coyote gets caught in a hunters snare. Thanks to his apologizing for being a bully, the animals are willing to organize a rescue party before 2 hunters can sell him for money.

Act 7: Animal Intervention With 2 Bullies

Description: An Animal Intervention with 2 Bullies: Tiger and Lion. Doug Raccoon and the other forest animals state, Stop being a bully or leave our forest forever. Tiger agreed to stop. Lion refused.

The school also receives a free bonus Learning CD filled with a variety of follow-up activities to help reinforce the concepts taught that day.

The Bully Free program teaches the following concepts:

VICTIMS:

* Stand up straight, make eye contact, smile calmly, and
remember to breathe.
* Deep breathing sends oxygen to your brain. Suddenly, you'll know what to say.
* Use "I Messages."
* Try to smile since your tears often give a bully a false sense of power.

* Try to be a friend to a bully. "Have you had a bad day? Would you like to talk about it?"

WITNESSES:

* Politely but firmly tell bullies that being a bully is NOT okay.
* Withdraw your friendship from a bully if he or she insists on bullying your friends or acquaintances.

BULLIES:

* Bullies often are victims of bullying.
* The real way to feel important is by helping others and by practicing your talents and skills - not by bullying.

For more information, please visit her website of http://moredunntales.com/id5.html. If you have questions or would like to book this program for your school, you can e-mail Debbie Dunn at moredunntales@yahoo.com. As long as her travel expenses are paid, her rates are extremely negotiable.

Resources:

Arne Duncan: Bullying in Schools Is a 'Gateway to Hate'

YouTube Video: Be Bully Free Elementary School Program with Debbie Dunn

PDF - Full description of Be Bully Free program to show to your school