What is the difference between bullying and disrespectful behavior?
• Keeping in mind the components of bullying on p. 21, help students see that while not all acts are bullying, they may still be disrespectful, or intentionally or unintentionally hurtful. • You may wish to review the students’ examples as a group to see whether they represent bullying or something else. • Write down a definition of bullying on the board with input from the class. Then discuss how disrespectful behavior, though it might not be defined as bullying in every instance, may lead to an environment where bullying or hostile behavior is accepted. • Conclude by stating that the goal of this unit is to examine our feelings about bullying AND about promoting respect in the classroom. Help students understand the place of bullying within the larger context of disrespectful behavior and name-calling.
