Classroom Challenge 2-Bullying in the Classroom

Classroom Challenge 2-Bullying in The Classroom

Tracey Herndon

Liberty University

EDUC 304

Professor Ryan

August 5, 2018

Abstract

Bullying in any form is unacceptable especially in school and the classroom setting. In this paper I will discuss and use research from various resources to analyze and identify three types of bullying found in the scenario Bullying in the Classroom. I will attempt to look for solutions to these bullying issues and see if they are effective and what changes I may see from incorporating them into my classroom using the Fruit of the Spirit as my guide.

Classroom Challenge 2-Bullying in The Classroom

“Bullying is when a person, or group of persons, uses power to harass or intimidate one or more people who have less power. Bullying takes the form of belittling weaker students, calling them names, and threatening or harassing them” (Burden, 2017, p. 180). In today’s world, now more than it has ever been, bullying has become an epidemic of great proportions among students at every age level. From preschool to seniors, even in colleges, bullying needs to be addressed and solutions thought of on how to end this ever-growing problem before more children succumb to its horrible effects.

In this scenario, there are three girls that, for the most part, seem to be getting along fine until their teacher notices signs and a pattern of bullying. She has been sent for training and asked to try and come up with solutions to the problems occurring in her classroom and if they have been effective using the Fruit of the Spirit as her guide. I will attempt to identify the types of bullying I see and come up with my own solutions to use in my classroom and how they could be effective if used properly.

The first type of bullying I see in this scenario is that of what is called “relational bullying.” This is also known as social aggression which is the use of using relationships to hurt others (pitting one friend against another), keeping people from playing with others, using the silent treatment, and spreading rumors or lies (Burden, 2017). Emily and Keisha find enjoyment in teasing Tasha and at lunch would not let her sit with them. I have witnessed both Keisha and Emily shun her when the two of them want to hang out without her and I am concerned that the girls may have found out that Tasha obtained a scholarship for her tuition and may now be using this against her to try and ruin her social status. “Relational bullying is probably the least-known form of bullying. But it is also one of the most common forms” (Mercury, 2018). If this type of bullying were occurring in my classroom I would incorporate a no bullying policy that would be laid out and discussed in depth with my students at the beginning of the school year. If it still occurred then, first and foremost, I would pray and ask God for direction in how to handle the situation. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. 9Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me-put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9, NIV). As teachers we are responsible for the well-being of our students, setting standards and expectations at the very beginning of the school year of what is acceptable and unacceptable behavior in your class should set a standard and tone of what is to be expected from students. Being an all-inclusive teacher, approaching each child as equal to the other without stereotyping in any way sets the example for your class of the behavior that is expected of them as well. This, in itself, should be highly effective in preventing bullying from happening in the classroom setting.

The second type of bullying in the scenario is verbal bullying. Keisha scribbles out a hurtful poem about Tasha’s outfit. Verbal bullying is the act of using words to hurt or humiliate another person (Burden, 2017). The bullying that started in the lunchroom by Emily has now been spilled over into the classroom and taken over by Keisha. Keisha has now been pressured by Emily to continue the bullying which Keisha does probably out of fear of losing a friend. “The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18). Talking to your students consistently on the way we treat and talk to others should be done whenever someone talks bad or teases someone else. The words we say can never be taken back and once spoken can have lasting effects on a child’s mind. If this were to happen in my classroom, I would remind students of how important it is to watch the words that come out of our mouths because once we have spoken them they can never take them back. I would let them know that this is not how God would want us to treat one another and that this kind of behavior is not appropriate in or out of class. “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (Luke 6:31, NIV).

The final type of bullying I witnessed in this scenario is physical bullying where Emily stuck her foot out and tripped Tasha on the bus causing her to fall on her face, drop her water bottle, and crack her phone. Physical bullying is action oriented and includes hitting, shoving, tripping, etc. or even taking or damaging one’s personal property (Burden, 2017). Physical bullying should not be tolerated in any form and needs quick intervention. Bullying in all its form is never appropriate but becoming physical with it requires swift action to quickly get control of the situation before it becomes something out of control. If physical contact of any form were occurring in my classroom, the student would be removed from class and sent to the principal. I could handle the relational and verbal bullying by trying to talk to the students and by talking to parents but when it reaches the point of a child becoming violent laying their hands on another student there must be a harsher punishment.