Stop Picking On Me

Author: Pat Thomas

Illustrator: Lesley Harker

Grade Level: Kindergarten- 1st Grade 

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Summary:

The Book, Stop Picking On Me, is a story that gives children a first look at bullying. The story explains what bullies are and who could possibly be a bully. It gives reasons why bullies bully others. The story explores how someone might feel when being bullied and the fears and worries that come after being bullied. The book also gives positive solutions on how to deal with a bully if you are being bullied in school or even outside of school.  

Element 5 Raising Awareness:

The Book, Stop Picking On Me, represents element 5 raising awareness because the story raises awareness about the issue of bullying. It educates children first to let them know what exactly bullying is. It expresses how bullying is wrong and why we shouldn’t bully others. It then shows children how someone might feel while being bullied and after being bullied. It also shows and allows children to respond in positive ways when being bullied instead of using violence. Overall this books takes on the issue of bullying between children and raises awareness about the issue. This book creates an opportunity for children to relate and share their own knowledge and experiences about bulling with others to prevent more bullying from happening. 

Activities: 

While reading the story a teacher could stop and ask questions such as: Have you ever been bullied? How did it make you feel? What sort of things do you do when someone bullies you? Can you think of any other ways to deal with a bully? Ask these questions as the topics come up while reading the story. Then after the reading do an activity where you introduce a stuffed animal with a name. An example name could be “Tom.” Tell the students that Tom has experienced something while at school and you would like for them to help you understand how this makes Tom feel. Then say the following: Someone told Tom you can not play with us, but everyone else was playing. Someone hit Tom on purpose. Someone told Tom he was stupid and that no one liked him. Someone took Tom’s snack at lunch and would not give it back. After each phrase have students turn and talk to a partner about how they think that makes Tom feel. Then go over each phrase as a class and call on students for their opinions and input. Then explain how these are all different types of bullying. Identify what types of bully they are (Example: physical, verbal, relational etc.). The last part of the activity is to come up with a few rules about bullying that can be hung up, followed, and enforced by the students and teacher in the classroom. Example of a rule: Treat others with respect and kindness.