Bullying - One who takes advantage of another
Bulling is a major problem in schools and statistics are rising - physically, mentally and verbally bullying. Bully affects self-esteem, frustration, can lead to violence and more.
In our recent times bullying has not only been face-to-face but also cyber-space and can lead to bully in the workplace.
Since the early 2000's, as a long term substitute teacher, I have addressed this problem by implementing "The Discussion Chairs". I first starting using this in kindergarten classes when my classes were interrupted with:
________________ doesn't like me...
________________ doesn't play with me...
________________ said unkind words to me
________________ hit me
Problems of this nature is time consuming to trouble-shoot for a teacher.
Discussion Chairs
I place two chairs facing each other in a private place, but located within visual distance of the teacher. On each chair I put a sign "Discussion". I explain the rules of the discussion chairs to the classroom.
Student can invite another student to the discussion chair to sort out whatever the problem is with another student during classroom activity (some problems can't wait and need to be addressed immediately) - This is a - one-on-one with a limit of 10 minutes to sort out the problem. Most times especially in kindergarten the problem is resolved and students end being the best of friends (until the next time there is a problem) - growing pains! Teaching continues and is not interrupted. Students return to classroom activity after 10 minutes. A timer can be used. I never had to use a mediator/peacemaker (third person) to ensure the process was conducted.
In other higher grades I have available a sign-in sheet to list: date, time, problem and students participating in discussion chairs. As a teacher, I follow up on the problem to see if it has been resolved or what action as a teacher needed to take to resolve the problem: discussion with the students, phone call home, social worker, principal, etc.
Using the "Discussion Chairs" I find the students are accountable and taking responsibility for their actions. This method can also work well among siblings at home.
Bullying Resources
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