by James Burns | Feb 19, 2018 | Behavior Management, Bullies, Bully Proof Classroom, Responsible words
I can say what I want to when I want to. I guess that’s freedom of speech. I guess we can post or text anything we want to as well. Kids have been sold this. What kids need to understand is that they can say, post, and text whatever they want, WITH CONSEQUENCES. Just because we are thinking something doesn’t mean we have to say it. Our students need to evaluate their words and what damage those words can do to others. The tongue weighs about 2 ounces; yet, it can control the events of our life. Healthy confrontations, debates, and constructive suggestion are good qualities of communication that we all should develop. Spewing, spreading rumors, gossip, and hurtful statements will only create a school environment that is void of morals, trust, and integrity. Teach your students that if they are going to say something that could prove hurtful, to just wait 30 minutes. This wait-time will allow them to evaluate the cost of their words and avoid the guilt that they will experience for hurting another person. We are all just a compilation of what others have said and done to us. Remember, victims suffer because of verbal abuse. Words truly can cut deep into the heart of person.
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by James Burns | Feb 14, 2018 | Bully Proof Classroom, Bullying, James Burns, Root Problems, Uncategorized
Often, we observe behaviors in children and begin to label them as “lazy,” “unmotivated,” and “stubborn.” What we are observing are really only the symptoms of what is actually going on within the hearts and minds of our students. When we treat the symptoms with systemic consequences, we never really get to the root problem. Don’t get me wrong; bullies need consequences, but a balance needs to be struck between rules and regulations, compassion and understanding. Bullies need to be disciplined, but consequences alone won’t stop the bullying. As an example, we label kids as “lazy” all the time. In reality, laziness is really the manifestation of disrespect. It’s not that the kid won’t do things; he/she just won’t do them for you because of a poor relationship that has developed over time. Often, therapy is necessary to peek into the mind of this kid. But, if we take the time to form a relationship with the bully and stop dealing with the symptoms, we will be providing this kid with permanent help, not temporary relief, and will be setting him/ her on the path to lifelong success.
by James Burns | Feb 9, 2018 | Bully Proof Classroom, Bullying, Documentation, James Burns, Uncategorized
Documentation
Whether or not bullying is a problem in your classroom, you should keep anecdotal records of students’ behavior. If you have students who are or who might become potential bullies, anecdotal records are even more important. If a student has more than one teacher, each teacher should keep behavioral logs, and they should be compared from time-to-time. Why is this so important? When parent meetings are conducted, a parent will usually confront the anecdotals from one teacher, but if more than one teacher has similar anecdotal records, the information presented will be viewed more legitimately by the parent. Often, a parent will view a negative one-on-one conference with a teacher subjectively and believe that the teacher is picking on his/her kid or worse yet, that the teacher really doesn’t like his/her kid. As an aside, parent meetings should always be held with more than one teacher present. If that’s not possible, an administrator or guidance counselor should be present for support. Never try to go at it alone with the parent of a student who is a bully.
by James Burns | Jan 17, 2018 | Anti Bullying Coaching and Resources, Anti Bullying Tips
These cards are designed to be downloaded, cut out and laminated. They are extremely useful in helping elementary and middle school students develop the language to deal with bully’s who use their words to hurt or embarrass others. They also provide students with positive self talk statements that help to improve the victims self esteem and confidence. Once these cards are produced they can be given to multiple students and placed in a folder or punched and placed in a binder. They are an excellent tool to help deal with individual fears that occur because of a bully’s harassment and intimidation.
by James Burns | Jan 17, 2018 | Character Qualities
If students are to be successful they must posses certain qualities that they can carry with them throughout life. This FREE resource contains 15 articles that explains the importance of these qualities and why they must be taught to our students.
