Safety Topics

Preventing School Violence and Bullying
“You’re Not the Boss of Me!”

Suggested Grade Levels

K, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5

Overview

Bullying can disrupt the classroom, playground, and many children’s lives. It has a negative effect on a student’s ability to learn and to feel comfortable and safe in a school environment. You’re Not the Boss of Me! is a creative and fun approach to help kids open up and talk about this tough issue.

As they watch the puppets talking about their fears and concerns, children share their own stories and work together to solve the puppets’ problems with bullies. This unique program encourages and empowers children to discuss the issue with trusted adults and to take control of the situation, when appropriate.

Script Scenario

Ten-year old Eddy Franklin is having problems with a boy who has been teasing and taunting him at school. When his friend Clare Sanchez, 14, insists he talk about it, Eddy lashes out in frustration. With Clare’s help, Eddy learns that problems with a bully are not something to be ashamed of - nor are bullies a problem that must be solved by one person alone.

Objectives

• Explain/define what constitutes bullying, including its more subtle forms.
• Examine various problem-solving techniques for dealing with violent or verbally abusive situations.
• Encourage children to talk about their troubles and about unjust situations, with trusted adults and other students.
• Stress that being bullied is not shameful and that it’s everyone’s responsibility to solve it.

Format

This 30-minute program consists of a scripted-story puppet presentation, followed by a guided question and answer session. During the Q & A time, the puppets reinforce learning objectives and encourage children to share their questions and concerns. To extend learning and repeat key lessons, all children receive a take-home Kids on the Block bookmark imprinted with the program’s messages, and they are encouraged to write letters or emails to the puppets.

To help Kids on the Block improve our programs, teachers are asked to complete a short program evaluation form.

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