I Can...Be an Upstander: 'A. Blob on a Bus' Companion Craft

It’s October, which means it’s also National Bullying Prevention Month! This month, we join with communities all over the country to raise awareness about bullying and equip schools and families with the tools to prevent it. Today, 1 in 5 children between the ages of 12 and 18 experience bullying. Sadly, the effects of such treatment can last a lifetime.  ​

In 2006, PACER’S National Bullying Prevention Center founded National Bullying Prevention Month, initially as a one day event, to bring awareness to this national epidemic and begin working towards a solution. The event took off and became so popular that in 2010, PACER expanded it to encompass an entire month of activities. Today, thousands around the nation rally together each October to continue the crusade for kindness. ​

Books can be powerful tools to help us see life from the perspective of others, begin conversations, and broach serious topics in an approachable manner.  This month, we hope to help you harness the tool of literature by sharing a few of our favorite book-based crafts and activities that broach the topic of bullying. We’ll also include a few ideas for ways to integrate bullying prevention into what you are already doing each day.

Image via PACER's National Bullying Prevention Center Facebook

Today, we tackle the issue of bystanding--what should you do when you see bullying occurring. Or, a better question, what can you do? Standing up for what is right is rarely easy. This fun and simple craft helps children confront and discuss their concerns about standing against bullying and empowers them with tactics they feel comfortable with.

​This craft is paired with the picture book, A. Blob on a Bus, by L.A. Kefalos, but could easily be used with other books on bullying.
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I CAN BE AN UPSTANDER

Children learn positive ways to be upstanders

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​You will need:
A. Blob on a Bus, by L.A. Kefalos
‘I Can’ template
Colored pencils
Pencil, pen, markers, or other writing utensils

​Lesson

Step 1: Read A. Blob on a Bus out loud

​Step 2: Begin a discussion on the importance of treating one another with respect and standing up for others.
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Why do you think it took so long for anyone to stand up to A.Blob? What do you think would have happened if no one had said anything to A.Blob? What are some helpful ways to stand up to bullying? What are some unhelpful ways to stand up to bullying?

​Step 3: Sometimes people don’t intervene when they see someone else being hurt because they don’t know what to say or do.. Today we are going to talk about some positive and helpful ways we can stand up to bullying, encourage others, and make our community a safe, welcoming place.

Begin by asking the students to offer suggestions of ways to stand up to bullying. Some ideas include:
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• Tell a teacher or trusted adult if you see someone being bullied or if you are being bullied
• Befriend anyone who is being targeted by a bully. Walk with them, invite them to play with you at recess, ask them how they are doing.
• Include those who are being left out
• Eat lunch with someone new
• Refuse to spread rumors
• Don’t laugh or join in when you see someone being bullied. Let those who are bullying know you don’t think their actions are funny.
• If you or someone around you is being bullied, tell them to stop in a calm, clear voice. If they refuse, walk away. Find an adult if necessary.
• Be careful about what you post online. 
• Treat others the way you want to be treated--including online!

Expand the list to acts of kindness that students can do to make their community a better place:
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• Give someone a compliment
• Write a thank you note to your school custodian or other person serving the school
• Hold the door open for someone
• Leave a nice note for someone to find

​Step 4: Once you have compiled your list, have students draw a picture of themselves being upstanders or being kind to others on the ‘I Can’ template. Around the portrait, have students write “I can…” statements that communicate ways they can make their community a better and safer place. Use the lists you made as a class to guide the I can statements.

Step 5: Hang the pictures up around the classroom as a reminder that the students CAN impact their communities for the better!

Will you be participating in Bullying Prevention Month? If so, share how in the comments!

If you liked this craft, check out these activities, designed to help children be upstanders!
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​A. Blob is back, and this time it's on a bus! As the slimy bully pokes and pesters the children of Lincoln Elementary School, it seems like they will never be able to ride the bus in peace. That is, until one brave girl takes stand. 

Can one act of bravery change everything--including A. Blob? Find out in this second installment of The Blob Series!

​Before it was on a bus, A. Blob was on the playground. This first installment of The Blob Series follows the antics of A. Blob, as it wreaks havoc on the elementary school playground with its bullying ways. As the story progresses, however, readers learn that A. Blob may have more than meets the eye.

Along with its powerful illustrations and rhymed verse for early readers, this story invites children to put themselves in the shoes of another and encourages readers to consider why bullies behave the way they do – and start to consider what can be done to help.