Communication Skills role-play: Dennis Learns About Responsible Reporting Versus Tattling

Visit this page to get the link to the PDF file for the scripted role-play to print for classroom use called “Dennis Learns About Responsible Reporting Versus Tattling.”

A. Students participate in scripted role-play called “Dennis Learns About Responsible Reporting Versus Tattling .”

Story Description: This story called “Dennis Learns About Responsible Reporting Versus Tattling” illustrates the importance of following class rules, being respectful to the teacher and your fellow classmates, maintaining your classroom as a safe zone from put-downs, and learning the difference between responsible reporting versus tattling or snitching.

Click COMMUNICATION SKILLS to read and download the role-play on Examiner.com.

Teaching Notes for tale called Dennis Learns About Responsible Reporting Versus Tattling

Here is a story scenario you can use to help teach about the need for using good communication skills in the classroom. This story called “Dennis Learns About Responsible Reporting Versus Tattling ” illustrates the importance of following class rules, being respectful to the teacher and your fellow classmates, maintaining your classroom as a safe zone from put-downs, and learning the difference between responsible reporting versus tattling or snitching.

Note for Teacher: For an explanation of how to implement the techniques taught in this story and follow-up role-play, here are the articles that explain the process:
* Three essential Classroom Rules for any grade

* Positive and negative consequences for classroom behavior choices

Posters & Behavior Chart to print for classroom use
* Behavior Chart

* DICTIONARY DEFINITION FOR TALKING Display Poster

* 3 Classroom Rules Display Posters

* ‘I Message’ Sentence Starters Display Poster (Make certain this poster is on display during this story.)

Additional note to Teacher: This is a great story to use at the beginning of your class year. However, this is also a great story to use later in the year if you see that the students need to learn positive alternatives to tattling and snitching and how to re-create your classroom as a safe zone from put-downs.

A. Teacher reads story to the class called “Dennis Learns About Responsible Reporting Versus Tattling.”

B. Story Description: This story called “Dennis Learns About Responsible Reporting Versus Tattling ” illustrates the importance of following class rules, being respectful to the teacher and your fellow classmates, maintaining your classroom as a safe zone from put-downs, and learning the difference between responsible reporting versus tattling or snitching.

Link to Student Tale called “Dennis Learns About Responsible Reporting Versus Tattling”

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Return to Communication Skills Lesson Plan– Dennis Learns About Responsible Reporting Versus Tattling

Mini Lesson Plan: Oscar the Outcast (grades 6-8)

After reading the Basic Needs story called “Oscar the Outcast Transforms to Oscar the Original,” students will take part in some follow-up activities to enhance the learning experience. Here is a story scenario you can use to help teach about the importance of being an advocate for someone who is viewed as being an outcast and loner. Oscar is a middle school student who is viewed as an outcast at his school. No one will sit with him. No one will be his friend. The only ones who talk to him are the bullies who constantly put him down and push him around. Oscar has no idea how to fix or change things for the better. Then one day, a new girl enters his homeroom.

Step 1: Read the story called “Oscar the Outcast Transforms to Oscar the Original.”

Tale Hub for Oscar the Outcast Transforms to Oscar the Original

Story Description: Oscar is a middle school student who is viewed as an outcast at his school. No one will sit with him. No one will be his friend. The only ones who talk to him are the bullies who constantly put him down and push him around. Oscar has no idea how to fix or change things for the better. Then one day, a new girl enters his homeroom.

Step 2: Have class participate in the role-play based on the story called “Oscar the Outcast Transforms to Oscar the Original.”

Basic Needs role-play: Oscar the Outcast Transforms to Oscar the Original

Step 3: Have class participate in discussion questions about this story.

Please note: All discussion questions are built into the story and the scripted role-play.

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Basic Needs role-play: Oscar the Outcast Transforms to Oscar the Original

Visit this page to get the link to the PDF file for the scripted role-plays to print for classroom use. It is called “Oscar the Outcast Transforms to Oscar the Original.”

A. Students participate in scripted role-play called “Oscar the Outcast Transforms to Oscar the Original.”

Story Description: Oscar is a middle school student who is viewed as an outcast at his school. No one will sit with him. No one will be his friend. The only ones who talk to him are the bullies who constantly put him down and push him around. Oscar has no idea how to fix or change things for the better. Then one day, a new girl enters his homeroom.

Click BASIC NEEDS to read and download the role-play on Examiner.com.

Tale Hub for Oscar the Outcast Transforms to Oscar the Original

Here is a story scenario you can use to help teach about the importance of being an advocate for someone who is viewed as being an outcast and loner. Oscar is a middle school student who is viewed as an outcast at his school. No one will sit with him. No one will be his friend. The only ones who talk to him are the bullies who constantly put him down and push him around. Oscar has no idea how to fix or change things for the better. Then one day, a new girl enters his homeroom.

Click BASIC NEEDS to read the entire story on Examiner.com.

Mini Lesson Plan: A False Rumor about Brittany (grades 6-8)

After reading the Basic Needs story called “A False Rumor about Brittany,” students will take part in a variety of follow-up activities to enhance the learning experience. Here is a story scenario you can use to help teach about the importance of checking your facts when rumors are being spread, Basic Needs, working for a WIN-WIN Outcome, and the Peer Mediation process. Brittany discovers that either Christy or Sarah has spread a false rumor that she has cheated on her boyfriend named Corey. Will Brittany discover who really started the rumor and why? Will Corey believe that she was innocent and take her back?

Step 1: Read the story called “A False Rumor about Brittany.”

Tale Hub for A False Rumor about Brittany

Story Description: Brittany discovers that either Christy or Sarah has spread a false rumor that she has cheated on her boyfriend named Corey. Will Brittany discover who really started the rumor and why? Will Corey believe that she was innocent and take her back?

Step 2: Have class participate in the role-play based on the story called “A False Rumor about Brittany.”

Basic Needs role-play: A False Rumor about Brittany

Step 3: Have class participate in discussion questions about this story.

Let’s Discuss Basic Needs Tale: A False Rumor about Brittany

Let’s Discuss Basic Needs Tale: A False Rumor about Brittany

After reading the story called “A False Rumor about Brittany,” hold a class discussion using these fifteen discussion questions. You can also act the story out by using the scripted role-play provided.

Click BASIC NEEDS to read the entire article on Examiner.com.

Basic Needs role-play: A False Rumor about Brittany

Visit this page to get the link to the PDF file for the scripted role-plays to print for classroom use. It is called “A False Rumor About Brittany.”

Click BASIC NEEDS to read and download the role-play on Examiner.com.

Tale Hub for A False Rumor about Brittany

Here is a story scenario you can use to help teach about the importance of checking your facts when rumors are being spread, Basic Needs, working for a WIN-WIN Outcome, and the Peer Mediation process. Brittany discovers that either Christy or Sarah has spread a false rumor that she has cheated on her boyfriend named Corey. Will Brittany discover who really started the rumor and why? Will Corey believe that she was innocent and take her back?

I. Read Basic Needs story: A False Rumor about Brittany

Mini Basic Needs Lesson Plan (Grades 6-8) – Who will make the Princess Laugh?

This is the Lesson Plan Hub page for "Who will make the Princess Laugh?" Links to all six sections of the lesson are included.

Section 1: Lesson Objectives for Teaching about Basic Needs Concepts

Clicking on this resource link leads you to the following 10 items:
A. Character Traits Addressed
B. Conflict Resolution Strategies Addressed
C. Other Concepts Addressed
D. Cognitive/Instructional Objectives
E. Emotional Objectives
F. Behavioral Objectives
G. Glossary of Terms
H. Lesson Length
I. Links for Teaching Posters for Classroom Use
J. Links for all the Basic Needs stories and lesson plans

Section 2: Read Basic Needs story called "Who will make the Princess Laugh?"

A. Teacher reads story to the class called “Who will make the Princess Laugh?”

B. Story Description: This is a story about a Princess who has never laughed and a goofy guy named Jack. The story was inspired by Richard Chase’s story called “Jack And The King’s Girl” found in his book called THE JACK TALES.

Section 3: Popcorn Review

A. After reading the target story, spend a minute or two conducting a quick story wrap-up called a Popcorn Review. This gives students an opportunity to share their reactions to and impressions of the story characters and events.

Section 4: Act out the scripted Basic Needs role-play: "Who will make the Princess Laugh?"

A. Students participate in scripted role-play called “Who will make the Princess Laugh?” Visit this page to get directions and the link to the PDF file for the scripted role-play to print for classroom use.

Section 5: Bloom's Taxonomy Discussion for the story called “Who will make the Princess Laugh?”

A. There are six levels in the Bloom's Taxonomy discussion question process. After reading "Who will make the Princess Laugh?," the teacher will ask questions from all six levels.

Section 6: Basic Needs writing assignment: Who will make the Princess Laugh?

A. Students will write about the six Bloom’s Taxonomy Questions for the Communication Skills tale called “Who will make the Princess Laugh?”

Basic Needs writing assignment: Who will make the Princess Laugh?

Basic Needs writing assignment: Who will make the Princess Laugh?

Instructional objective: Students will write about the six levels of the Bloom’s Taxonomy Discussion Questions for the Basic Needs tale called “Who will make the Princess Laugh?”

Click BASIC NEEDS to read the entire article on Examiner.com.

Bloom's Taxonomy Discussion Questions for Who will make the Princess Laugh?

There are six levels in the Bloom's Taxonomy discussion question process. After reading "Who will make the Princess Laugh?," the teacher will ask questions from all six levels.

Click BASIC NEEDS to see all six discussion questions and answers on Examiner.com.

Basic Needs role-play: Who will make the Princess Laugh?

Visit this page to get the link to the PDF file for the scripted role-plays to print for classroom use. It is called “Who will make the Princess Laugh?”

A. Students participate in scripted role-play called “Who will make the Princess Laugh?”

Story Description: This is a story about a Princess who has never laughed and a goofy guy named Jack. The story was inspired by Richard Chase’s story called “Jack And The King’s Girl” found in his book called THE JACK TALES.

Click BASIC NEEDS to read and download the role-play on Examiner.com.

Basic Need’s Tale Hub page: Who will make the Princess Laugh?

Here is a story scenario you can use to help teach all about our Basic Needs. This is a story about a Princess who has never laughed and a goofy guy named Jack. The story was inspired by Richard Chase’s story called “Jack And The King’s Girl” found in his book called THE JACK TALES.

Click on BASIC NEEDS to read the entire story on Examiner.com.

Info 101: Hub page for It takes a Community to deal with the Mob Mentality of a Gang of Bullies

When a young person faces relentless bullying by a gang of bullies, what can be done? Tragically, some of these young people make the decision to take their own life rather than continue to endure even one more day of that mob mentality campaign of passive and aggressive bullying. It helps only a little that this victim of bullying tries various tips and techniques to avoid bullying. In order to stop a gang of kids intent on making the life of another as miserable as possible, it takes a whole community to step in before it is too late.

Please be aware that the frontal lobe in our brains are not fully developed until the age of 21 or 22. The frontal lobe houses our impulse control. Why is this important? Bullies tend to give in to many or all of their impulses to continue with their bullying campaign against their selected targets. If a young person is a target of their bullying and has an especially bad day, he or she could potentially follow the impulse to commit suicide rather than face being bullied even one more day.

If you or somebody you care about is being targeted by a gang of bullies, do not despair or give up. Even if it does not seem like it, there are things that can be done to help you. There are also many people who care deeply about your fate including the author of this article. You can take as evidence the massive outcry as a result of the catastrophic suicide of Phoebe Prince in January of 2010. If she had guessed that so many people would rally around her at her time of need, would she have made a different choice?

The biggest lesson to be learned is that young people who are the target of bullying by a group larger than two or three are going to have a very hard time doing anything on their own. It is our responsibility to step in to help.

Who are the people who should help when bullying takes place?

It takes a community to deal with the mob mentality of a gang of bullies. The victim of bullying has steps he or she can take to not appear like a victim or an easy target ; however, there are other people who also must take responsibility. Who are the people who should help?

Click BE BULLY FREE to read the entire article on Examiner.com.

Grumpy Grant and Joshua - A composite but fictional story about sometimes tragic results of bullying

Introduction: This was written in November of 2009. Sadly, when we hear of tragic tales like that of Phoebe Prince who took her own life in January of 2010 after being relentlessly bullied by nine or more teens, we realize that stories such as Joshua’s tale could be true. It is up to us to step in to intervene before another suicide due to bullying takes place.

There was once a boy who we will call Grumpy Grant. There were many factors that turned the once friendly, peaceful boy into a Grump. Nevertheless, for whatever the reasons, he had transformed from the once friendly boy into a frightful bully.

It was easy to be a bully. He never had to stifle any of his impulses. If something made him feel impatient, he growled. If something made him feel upset, he groaned. If somebody made him mad, he pounced in whatever way it felt pleasurable to pounce.

This pouncing might take the form of yelling or name-calling. This pouncing might take the form of hitting, kicking, slapping, and punching. This pouncing might take the form of tripping and shoving. This pouncing might take the form of extortion, blackmail, and cyber bullying. Grumpy Grant took great satisfaction in being the meanest bully around.

Step on to the stage front is a new boy to the school. His name is Joshua. Joshua was a friendly boy. He was thoughtful and kind. He came from a small town where most people were thoughtful and kind. He had no insulation built up to suddenly be the target of a mean bully. He had no skills to utilize to stand up for himself. He had only the expectation that because he chose to be kind and nice to the people around him, surely they would be kind and nice right back.

Joshua hadn’t counted on a fellow like Grumpy Grant.

Click on BE BULLY FREE to read the rest of the story on Examiner.com.

Interview with a 27-year-old pediatrics nurse about her experiences with bullies

Interview with a 27-year-old pediatrics nurse about her experiences with bullies when she was a child and teenager: (7-31-2007)

By reading the news, we know the tragic tale of 15-year-old Phoebe Prince taking her own life in January of 2010 due to relentless bullying by 9 or more teenagers. Sadly, her story is not unique nor new. Bullying has been going on unchecked for many years.

Click BE BULLY FREE to read the rest of the article on Examiner.com.

Info 101: What can the School do to help prevent Bullying?

Any teachers, guidance counselors, staff members, and administrators at the school need to proactively help the victim as soon as they are made aware that bullying is taking place. It is their job to investigate any suspicion of brutal and relentless bullying.

Click BE BULLY FREE to read the entire article on Examiner.com.

Info 101: What can a Bystander of Bullying do?

Bystanders aka witnesses to the bullying have a great responsibility to help the victim or victims of bullying. There is great power in numbers. It is your duty as a citizen of our great country and as a member of your school to help stop bullying. After all, the bully may choose to victimize you someday. By standing against the bullying actions today, you may be helping yourself tomorrow or in the future.

An example, you see a bully pushing a victim around or hitting or kicking him. You should immediately yell, “Stop that!” If at all possible, get the attention of a nearby teacher, principal, or staff member who has not yet noticed this going on. Better yet, get your friends to join with you in yelling, “Stop being a bully!” This will hopefully intimidate the bully into stopping his or her actions in an attempt to stay out of trouble.

Click BE BULLY FREE to read the entire article on Examiner.com.

Info 101: What can the parents of the victim of bullying do?

The parents need to keep watch to see if there are unexplained bruises, your children suddenly lose their appetite, they may have increased appetite to make up for the lunch money that got stolen from them, their grades go down, they appear depressed, angry, or moody, and they suddenly strive to manufacture excuses to miss school. Of course, any of these could also by symptomatic of other maladies such as drinking or drugs. It is your job as a parent to play detective to find out what is causing these sudden changes in appearance and behavior. Additionally, make certain that your child understands that you are on his or her side. If you begin to suspect that he or she is being bullied, reinforce the idea that telling is not tattling when physical and emotional harm is taking place.

Click BE BULLY FREE to read the entire article on Examiner.com.

Info 101: What can the victim of bullying do?

The victims of bullying should take steps to help themselves not act like a victim to the best of their ability. See the tips and techniques listed later on in this article for suggestions.

Click BE BULLY FREE to read the entire article on Examiner.com.

Info 101: What does bullying look like?

Bullying can be broken down into two main categories. There are passive forms of bullying. There are also aggressive forms of bullying. Below you will see descriptions and examples of each form.

Click BE BULLY FREE to read the entire article on Examiner.com.

Basic Needs Lesson Plan (Grades 6-8) – It All Happened Because Mark Overslept and Missed Breakfast

This is the Lesson Plan Hub page for "It All Happened Because Mark Overslept and Missed Breakfast" and the follow-up story called “Conflict Happens When Basic Needs Get Messed With.” Links to all nine sections of the lesson are included.

Section 1: Lesson Objectives for Teaching about Basic Needs Concepts

Clicking on this resource link leads you to the following 10 items:
A. Character Traits Addressed
B. Conflict Resolution Strategies Addressed
C. Other Concepts Addressed
D. Cognitive/Instructional Objectives
E. Emotional Objectives
F. Behavioral Objectives
G. Glossary of Terms
H. Lesson Length
I. Links for Teaching Posters for Classroom Use
J. Links for all the Basic Needs stories and lesson plans

Section 2: K-W-L Model discussion about It All Happened Because Mark Overslept and Missed Breakfast

This lesson is on learning more about our Basic Needs. Ask your students:

A. K questions – What do you KNOW about this topic?

B. W questions – What do you WANT TO KNOW about this topic?

Section 3: Basic Needs Vocabulary terminology

Basic Needs Vocabulary for It All Happened Because Mark Overslept and Missed Breakfast

Section 4: Read two Basic Needs stories: "It All Happened Because Mark Overslept and Missed Breakfast" and “Conflict Happens When Basic Needs Get Messed With.”

A. Teacher reads story to the class called “It All Happened Because Mark Overslept and Missed Breakfast.”

B. Story Description: Conflict happens when one or more of your Basic Needs get messed with. Listen to this story about Mark and the chain reaction of actions that happened as a result of what was going wrong with him.

C. Teacher reads the follow-up story to the class called “Conflict Happens When Basic Needs Get Messed With.”

D. Story Description: Mr. Campbell, a middle school Communication Skills teacher, teaches his class about the fact that conflict happens when our Basic Needs get messed with. He also introduces the concepts of Passive, Aggressive, and Assertive Responses to Conflict.

Section 5: Popcorn Review

A. After reading the target story, spend a minute or two conducting a quick story wrap-up called a Popcorn Review. This gives students an opportunity to share their reactions to and impressions of the story characters and events.

Section 6: Act out two scripted Basic Needs role-plays: "It All Happened Because Mark Overslept and Missed Breakfast" and “Conflict Happens When Basic Needs Get Messed With.”

A. Students participate in scripted role-play called “It All Happened Because Mark Overslept and Missed Breakfast.” Visit this page to get directions and the link to the PDF file for the scripted role-play to print for classroom use.

B. Students participate in scripted role-play called “Conflict Happens When Basic Needs Get Messed With.” Visit this page to get directions and the link to the PDF file for the scripted role-play to print for classroom use.

Section 7: Main Idea Discussion for the story called “It All Happened Because Mark Overslept and Missed Breakfast” and Bloom's Taxonomy Discussion for the story called “Conflict Happens When Basic Needs Get Messed With.”

A. After reading the story called “It All Happened Because Mark Overslept and Missed Breakfast,” hold a class discussion using these eight discussion questions.

Let’s Discuss Basic Needs Tale: It All Happened Because Mark Overslept and Missed Breakfast

B. There are six levels in the Bloom's Taxonomy discussion question process. After reading "Conflict Happens When Basic Needs Get Messed With," the teacher will ask questions from all six levels.

Bloom's Taxonomy Discussion Questions for Conflict Happens When Basic Needs Get Messed With

Section 8: K-W-L Model discussion about It All Happened Because Mark Overslept and Missed Breakfast

To close out the lesson on learning about our Basic Needs, ask your students:

A. L questions – What have you LEARNED about this topic?

Section 9: Basic Needs writing assignment: Conflict Happens When Basic Needs Get Messed With

A. There is no writing assignment for the story called “It All Happened Because Mark Overslept and Missed Breakfast.”

B. Students will write about the six Bloom’s Taxonomy Questions for the Communication Skills tale called “Conflict Happens When Basic Needs Get Messed With.”

Basic Needs writing assignment: Conflict Happens When Basic Needs Get Messed With

Basic Needs role-play: Conflict Happens When Basic Needs Get Messed With

Visit this page to get the link to the PDF file for the role-play to print for classroom use. It is called “Conflict Happens When Basic Needs Get Messed With.”

Note to Teacher: This role-play should be utilized after you have already had your class act out the role-play called “It All Happened Because Mark Overslept and Missed Breakfast.”

A. Students participate in scripted role-play called “Conflict Happens When Basic Needs Get Messed With.”

Story Description: Mr. Campbell, a middle school Communication Skills teacher, teaches his class about the fact that conflict happens when our Basic Needs get messed with. He also introduces the concepts of Passive, Aggressive, and Assertive Responses to Conflict.

Click BASIC NEEDS to read and download the role-play on Examiner.com.

Tale Hub for Conflict Happens When Basic Needs Get Messed With

Here is a story scenario you can use to help teach about why conflict happens. Mr. Campbell, a middle school Communication Skills teacher, teaches his class about the fact that conflict happens when our Basic Needs get messed with. He also introduces the concepts of Passive, Aggressive, and Assertive Responses to Conflict.

I. Read Basic Needs story: Conflict Happens When Basic Needs Get Messed With

A. Teacher reads story to the class called “Conflict Happens When Basic Needs Get Messed With.”

B. Story Description: Mr. Campbell, a middle school Communication Skills teacher, teaches his class about the fact that conflict happens when our Basic Needs get messed with. He also introduces the concepts of Passive, Aggressive, and Assertive Responses to Conflict.

Links to both chapters for Conflict Happens When Basic Needs Get Messed With

Chapter 1 of 2: Tyler challenges the teacher

Chapter 2 of 2: Mr. Campbell teaches the class about Passive, Aggressive, & Assertive Responses to Conflict

Basic Needs role-play: It All Happened Because Mark Overslept and Missed Breakfast

Visit this page to get the link to the PDF file for the scripted role-plays to print for classroom use. It is called “It All Happened Because Mark Overslept and Missed Breakfast.”

A. Students participate in scripted role-play called “It All Happened Because Mark Overslept and Missed Breakfast.”

Story Description: Conflict happens when one or more of your Basic Needs get messed with. Listen to this story about Mark and the chain reaction of actions that happened as a result of what was going wrong with him.

Click BASIC NEEDS to read and download the role-play on Examiner.com.

It All Happened Because Mark Overslept and Missed Breakfast

Here is a story scenario you can use to help teach about that conflict happens when one or more of your Basic Needs get messed with, Either you have conflict within yourselves and you feel frustrated, angry, or depressed. Or conflict happens with others and you get into an argument or a fight. But sometimes, conflict can happen from something as simple as being sleepy, sick, or hungry. Listen to this story about Mark and the chain reaction of actions that happened as a result of what was going wrong with him.

A. Teacher reads story to the class called “It All Happened Because Mark Overslept and Missed Breakfast.”

B. Story Description: Conflict happens when one or more of your Basic Needs get messed with. Listen to this story about Mark and the chain reaction of actions that happened as a result of what was going wrong with him.

Click BASIC NEEDS to read the entire story on Examiner.com.