Bully Shield Lesson Plan Handling Bullies with Confidence
Tier 1 Classroom Lesson • 4th Grade
45 Minutes
Objective
Students will be able to identify bullying behaviors (physical, verbal, and social) and demonstrate assertive responses to handle these situations effectively.
The "Why"
Developing the ability to recognize bullying and respond with confidence is essential for a safe school environment. Empowerment through practice reduces the impact of bullying behaviors.
Materials Needed
Confidence Quest Slides
Bully Defense Discussion Guide
Confidence Cards Visuals
Spot the Bully Worksheet
Instructional Sequence
Step 1 5m
Introduction & Hook
"What is bullying? Why do we need to talk about it?"
Define bullying as repeated, intentional, and unfair behavior.
Invite students to share feelings associated with witnessing bullying.
Step 2 6m
Video: Ways to Stop Bullying
Watch the video focusing on the four-step method for handling bullying. Use the slides to pause and discuss key strategies after the video.
Step 3 10m
Deep Dive Discussion
Use the Discussion Guide to explore different types of bullying (physical, verbal, social). Focus on the "Bystander Effect" and how to be an "Upstander."
Step 4 15m
Role-Playing Practice
Distribute Confidence Cards to small groups. Students practice identifying the behavior and using an assertive "Confidence Voice" to respond.
Step 5 5m
Bullying Identification Worksheet
Students work individually to reinforce the concepts of identifying bullying behaviors and planning assertive responses on paper.
Step 6 4m
Closure & Recap
Recap the "Stop, Walk, and Talk" method. Challenge students to look for one way to be an Upstander this week.
Confidence Quest Slides 4th Grade Life Skills
Confidence Quest
Handling Bullies with Confidence
STRENGTH
VOICE
TEAMWORK
What is Bullying?
Repeated
It happens more than once or is likely to keep happening.
Intentional
The person is doing it on purpose to be mean.
Unfair
One person has more power or uses force against another.
3 Main Types
Verbal Bullying
Teasing, name-calling, or saying mean things to someone.
Physical Bullying
Hitting, kicking, pushing, or taking/breaking someone's things.
Social Bullying
Leaving someone out, spreading rumors, or embarrassing them.
Watch & Learn
Embedded media
Look for the 4 steps mentioned in the video!
Your Defense Plan
1. STOP
Use your Confidence Voice . Stand tall, look them in the eye, and say "Stop."
2. WALK
Don't stick around. Calmly walk away to a safe place with other people.
3. TALK
Tell an adult you trust. Telling is not "tattling"—it's keeping people safe.
4. UP
Stand UP for others. If you see it happening, be an Upstander!
Be an Upstander!
An Upstander is someone who sees bullying and chooses to help. You don't have to be a superhero—you just have to be kind and speak up!
"Hey, that's not cool."
"Come play with us instead."
Bully Defense Discussion Guide Bully Defense Guide
Facilitating meaningful conversations in the classroom
Teacher's Note
Use this guide to facilitate a class-wide or small-group discussion after viewing the "Ways to Stop Bullying" video. Encourage open, honest sharing while maintaining a safe environment. Use the spaces below to capture student insights or key themes.
1
What are some examples of bullying you have seen or heard about?
Prompt: Think about school, the bus, online, or in your community.
2
How does bullying make people feel?
Prompt: Consider the person being bullied, the person doing the bullying, and those watching.
3
Why is it important to stand up against bullying?
Prompt: What happens to our school community when we all decide to be "Upstanders"?
Safe
Kind
Strong
Spot the Bully Worksheet Spot the Bully
Confidence Quest • Student Worksheet
Name:
Date:
Quick Review
Remember, bullying is repeated (happens more than once), intentional (on purpose), and unfair (someone using power over another). Use what you've learned to answer the questions below!
1 List three behaviors that are considered bullying.
A.
B.
C.
2 Describe a situation where you saw someone being bullied. How did you feel?
3 Write down an assertive response you could use if you were being bullied.
My Confidence Voice:
Be an Upstander
Confidence Cards Visuals Confidence Cards
Cut out these cards to practice using your Confidence Voice in different situations!
The Teaser
Scenario: A student is being teased for their appearance or what they are wearing.
Confidence Voice:
"I like how I look, and your words won't change that."
The Excluder
Scenario: A group of kids is excluding someone from a game on purpose.
Confidence Voice:
"Everyone should have a chance to play. Let's include everyone."
The Rumor Mill
Scenario: Someone is spreading rumors or talking behind a friend's back.
Confidence Voice:
"Spreading rumors isn't kind. Let's talk about something positive instead."
The Name Caller
Scenario: A student is being called mean names during recess or in the hallway.
Confidence Voice:
"I don't appreciate being called names. Let's be respectful."
The Pusher
Scenario: A student is being pushed or shoved while waiting in line.
Confidence Voice:
"Please keep your hands to yourself. Let's wait our turn."
The Upstander
Scenario: You see someone being bullied and want to help them out.
Confidence Voice:
"Hey, leave them alone. That's not how we treat people here."
Confidence Quest • Activity Materials
