Week 4 – Assignment

Bullying…Change

Read thefollowing essay, written by Antonio, a fourth-grade student.

TheBully in the Mirror
Antonio, 4th Grade

Mirror Mirror on the wall why must I bethe
Bully that has to fall. I beat on kidsaround the school
The mirror told me it wasn’t cool. Themirror told me to change.
My ways I have beat up kids all by days.I have no friends.
It’s just not right. The mirror saidcause you like to fight.
I am a bully how could this be. Themirror is starting to
Change me. Reflections are now flashingback to me.
Someone plant the seed inside of me. Nowthe mirror has
shown me poor. I’ll change my ways andstart
new days the bully is no more part of me.
Any bully can change

Imagine thatyou are Antonio’s teacher. Antonio obviously wants to make a change. As afourth grader, it is almost impossible to do this alone. Therefore, he hashanded this writing piece to you, his teacher. Understanding that thistransformation involves far more than you and Antonio, you will devise a planto help him change his history and be a good person.

First, read the Kenny (2007) article and discuss how Antonio’s “looking glassself” has been influenced by the agents of socialization. Be sure to explainhow this looking glass self is related to his “answerability” and what rolethat has in his desire to change his behavior.

Next, devise a game plan for Antonio's change:

a.Share one lesson or activity that can be completed withthe whole class. The lesson or activity should focus on the importance ofawareness and bully prevention. Describe the lesson or activity and how it willbenefit the class as a whole.

b.List one idea showing how the class can support Antonio'schange. Explain how you would help your students support their formertormentor.

c.List one strategy that you can help Antonio implement inorder for him to stay on the right path (e.g., literature, a check list, or achange in routine).

d.Provide one suggestion you would share with Antonio'sparents, so that this change in behavior is a true partnership between you (theteacher), the child, and the parents.

Use the information from your text and the Pacer’s NationalBullying Prevention Center (Links toan external site.)Links to an externalsite. website to create your plan. You must include twoscholarly sources in addition to the two given.

Criteria:

a.Must be three to four double-spaced pages in length, notincluding title and reference pages.

b.Must include at least two scholarly sources in additionto the text and required sources.

c.Must be formatted according to APA style