Our Responce to Bullying and Prejudices

Here are some of my ideas:

·         Affirm the work students are doing.  Tell them they did a good job even after finishing one math problem—to them that might be a great accomplishment.

·         Affirm the student’s multiple identities.  Every student has multiple identities as a daughter, son, sister, brother, step-son, athlete, volunteer, immigrant, Jew, Christian, Muslim, etc.  By talking to the students and affirming their different identities it shows them it is good to identify with many things.  It also sets a good example for their peers. 

·         Encourage students to talk about themselves—likes, dislikes, goals, dreams.  What do you want to be when you grow up?

·         Connect students with community partnerships.  Things like Big Brothers, Big Sisters or student leadership groups (RYPAC) give students the opportunity to create positive relationships with people older than themselves.  Being part of something bigger than themselves is exciting for teenagers.   

·         Give students some responsibility even if it is small things like marking their progress or putting them in charge of making sure everyone is signed in.  This gives them a role to fill and a sense of leadership. 

What do you have to add?