bullying & Peer Conflict resources
THE POUT-POUT FISH AND THE BULLY-BULLY SHARK
This story emphasizes the powerful shift that can occur when one single person, and in this case a single fish, decides to interact with a bully differently. Initially he believes that he is weak and that he can not stand up against the shark; the fear is palpable and the intimidation real. However, the story dynamics pivot when this fish ultimately changes how he sees himself and speaks up. In speaking up, things change for the best both for the fish, the shark, and the rest of the ocean characters.
the recess queen
This story is about a girl, "Mean Jean," who acted like a bully day after day during recess until a new student joined the school. The new student, "Katie Sue," was not intimidated by "Mean Jean" in the least. In fact, she shocked "Mean Jean" by asking her to play. This book reminds us that underneath bullying behavior there might be a kid in need, a kid who is lonely, and a kid who might heal through healthy connection. While bullying is by no means okay, I love the redemptive aspects of this story as "Mean Jean" changed through the influence of Katie Sue's warm and courageous approach.
LLAMA LLAMA AND THE BULLY GOAT
This story is a great one for young children in that it spells out that mean behavior is not kind and not okay. Boundaries are clarified, and speaking up assertively and walking away are emphasized. In addition, there are consequences for the mean behavior. This is a wonderful classroom read for young children as it emphasizes that playing with kindness rather than being mean is the best kind of play!
enemy pie
In this clever tale a boy's dad teaches his son an incredible lesson in a creative way. Instead of reinforcing his son's belief that another kid is his enemy, he challenges his son to spend time with the other kid and to be kind. Meanwhile, the dad bakes up some "enemy pie," which instead of being disgusting as you would imagine is actually quite delicious. This book highlights the power of kindness in shifting the dynamics between peers.
I WALK WITH VANESSA
This story is told through illustrations only. It tells of a girl who is treated meanly by a peer, and you see another girl who takes notice. Taking notice leads to action as this second girl takes initiative to see that this girl does not walk to school alone. Her kindness is contagious, and by this one peer being courageous, there is a ripple effect of kindness among the whole group of peers. This story instills that the kindness of one person can in fact make a difference in a profound way not only for another individual, but for the whole community.
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Elizabeth B. Burton is a licensed professional counselor and life coach with Burton Counseling, PLLC. Elizabeth lives just outside of Chattanooga, TN., and you can learn about Elizabeth here. You can learn more about working directly with Elizabeth here. Elizabeth also provides support to individuals and groups through an online course on Coping with Anxiety & Stress and through providing workshops. Elizabeth communicates about mental health and well-being through both the Narrating Hope newsletter and podcast as well as through her writing. Elizabeth would love to connect with you and welcomes you to sign up for the newsletter, listen in to the podcast, reach out about working together, and connect on social media.