Bully Blasters Lesson Plan Bully Blasters: Game Plan
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Duration 45 MIN
MISSION OBJECTIVE
Students will be able to identify different types of bullying, understand the impact of bullying, and learn proactive strategies for bully prevention and intervention, including safe ways to be an upstander.
WHY IT MATTERS
Bullying can have serious negative effects on students' well-being and academic performance. This lesson equips students with the knowledge and skills to recognize, prevent, and respond to bullying, fostering a safer and more inclusive school environment for everyone.
Gear Prep
Review all lesson materials and the slide deck.
Set up projector/smartboard for slides.
Print "Upstander Challenge" cards.
Arrange desks for small group work.
Estimated prep time: 15 minutes
The Battle Plan (Sequence)
1
Warm Up: What's the Word?
5 MIN
Begin with the warm-up activity to gauge prior knowledge.
Facilitate a brief discussion based on student responses.
Encourage students to share one word or feeling they associated with bullying.
2
Understanding Bullying (Slide Deck)
10 MIN
Present the core concepts using the Bully Blasters slide deck.
Cover definitions, the four main types, and the impact on all parties involved.
Encourage questions and brief sharing of thoughts.
3
The Upstander Challenge Game
15 MIN
Divide students into small groups to tackle real-world scenarios.
Explain rules and emphasize collaboration and creative problem-solving.
Circulate to support groups as they brainstorm upstander actions.
4
Reflection and Discussion
10 MIN
Bring the class together to share takeaways.
Use the Discussion Guide to explore why being an upstander is vital.
Reiterate the importance of seeking help from trusted adults.
5
Conclusion & Cool Down
5 MIN
Solidify the commitment to a safe school.
Students complete the "My Bully Blasters Pledge" exit ticket.
Summarize main points and reiterate the message of respect.
Included Materials
Warm Up Worksheet
Slide Deck: Bully Blasters
Upstander Challenge Scenarios
Discussion Guide
Bully Blasters Pledge
Bully Blasters Slides Bully Blasters
Stand Up, Speak Out!
Let's learn how to make our school a safer place for everyone!
Teacher Notes: Welcome students and introduce the topic of bullying prevention. Briefly explain the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment.
What is Bullying?
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school-aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance.
The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.
Teacher Notes: Ask students what comes to mind when they hear the word 'bullying'. Use their input to start the discussion and transition into the definition.
Types of Bullying
Verbal
Teasing, name-calling, inappropriate comments, or threats.
Social
Spreading rumors, leaving people out, public embarrassment.
Physical
Hitting, kicking, pushing, tripping, or breaking possessions.
Cyberbullying
Using digital technology like texts, social media, or games.
Teacher Notes: Discuss the four main types, providing simple, relatable examples. Encourage students to think about how these look in real life.
The Impact of Bullying
Person Bullied
Sadness & anxiety
Difficulty concentrating
Physical symptoms
The Bully
Struggling with empathy
Behavioral issues
Facing consequences
Bystanders
Feeling guilty
Feeling helpless
Feeling afraid
Teacher Notes: Explain why bullying is harmful to everyone. Emphasize that it's never okay to bully.
Be an Upstander!
The Bystander
Someone who sees bullying happening but does nothing.
The Upstander
Someone who sees bullying and takes action to help.
Why be an Upstander?
"You have the power to make a difference and create a safer environment for your friends!"
Teacher Notes: Introduce the concept of an 'Upstander'. Discuss the importance of not being passive. This sets the stage for the game.
Upstander Challenge
Today, we're going to practice being Upstanders! You'll work together to find creative and safe ways to stop bullying.
Work in Teams
Brainstorm
Present
Teacher Notes: Briefly introduce the game to build excitement. Explain the teamwork aspect.
Warm Up What's the Word Warm Up: What's the Word?
Bully Blasters Mission Prep
Name:
Date:
Mission Briefing
Think about the word "bullying." On your paper below, write down the first three words or feelings that come to mind when you hear it. Be ready to share one of your words with the class!
1
2
3
Upstander Challenge Game Upstander Challenge
Group Strategy Mission
Level ELITE
RULES OF ENGAGEMENT
Work together in your assigned small group.
Brainstorm safe and effective "Upstander" actions.
Choose your single best strategy.
Prepare a 1-minute presentation for the class.
Be creative! Act it out, explain it, or draw it.
Scenario 1
The Exclusion Zone
A new student tries to join a recess game, but a group keeps saying "You can't play with us!" and turns their backs. The new student looks really sad.
Our Strategy
Scenario 2
The Mean Texts
A friend shows you screenshots of mean messages another student is sending. They are making fun of someone's clothes and saying no one likes them.
Our Strategy
Scenario 3
The Tripping Hazard
In the hallway, an older student intentionally trips a younger student, causing them to drop their books. The older student laughs and walks away.
Our Strategy
Scenario 4
The Rumor Mill
You overhear students spreading a false rumor that another student cheated on a test. You know it's not true, and the student is feeling isolated.
Our Strategy
Pro-Tip: Think about what you could SAY, what you could DO, and who you could TELL.
Reflect and Connect Discussion Guide Reflect and Connect
Class Discussion Guide
"Let's discuss what we learned from the Upstander Challenge and how we can apply these skills in our daily lives."
01
What was challenging about the scenarios? What made it hard to decide what to do as an Upstander?
02
What did you learn from other groups' solutions? Did anyone share an idea you hadn't thought of?
03
Why is it important to be an Upstander? How does it make a difference?
04
Who are the trusted adults you can talk to if you or someone you know is being bullied?
05
What is one thing you will remember from today's lesson about how to prevent bullying?
Bully Blasters Pledge Exit Ticket Bully Blasters Pledge
Mission: Kindness
Personal Commitment Worksheet
Name:
Date:
If I see someone being bullied, I will try to
I will remember that an Upstander is someone who
If I need help or see something serious, I will talk to a trusted adult like
One thing I can do to promote kindness and respect in our school is
Official Bully Blasters Pledge
"I promise to use my voice and actions to stand up against bullying and support others. Together, we can make our school a safer and happier place for everyone."
Signed: