B UILDING C HARACTER AND B ULLYING Could you be the reason someone is considering suicide?

A CTIVITY : In your groups, get 1 egg, 1 length of tape, and 1 set of straws. Using only the tape and straws, construct a covering for the egg that will prevent it from breaking when it is dropped from 8 feet. You have exactly 15 minutes to complete this.

How many eggs didn’t break? Were some shields stronger looking than others? Did some of the “odd” looking shields protect the egg? So what does this have to do with character? Character is defined as those distinctive qualities that describe how a person thinks, feels and behaves.

C HARACTER T RAITS PositiveNegative CaringCynical CitizenshipRebellious HonestyUnmotivated RespectInconsiderate IntegrityRude CourageRigid FairnessInflexible TrustworthinessUnfriendly ResponsibilityLazy

P OOR C HARACTER Think of the egg shields that were “stronger looking”… These are people worried about appearance, popularity, clothing labels, etc. They tend to follow the crowd, whether it means bullying, starting rumors, posting mean messages on Facebook, etc. Generally, people with poor character have a very poor sense of “self”, lack self-confidence and self-esteem and allow other to influence their feelings and behaviors.

G OOD C HARACTER Think of the egg shields that were “odd looking” but protected the egg, maybe not as flashy… These people are not worried about popularity, labels on their clothes, trying to fit in, etc. They tend to act kindly, respect others, try hard in school, surround themselves with good people, etc. Generally, people with good character demonstrate honesty, integrity, responsibility. They have self-confidence, positive self-esteem, and do not allow others to influence their thoughts or feelings.

W OULD YOU BREAK ? Think about yourself as an egg from the activity we just did… What kind of “shell” do you have around GCIT? Is it one that represents poor character ? Flashy, click- y, following the crowd, putting others down, etc. Is it one that represents good character ? Kindness, Respect, Integrity, etc. What kind of character do you want to have?

G OOD V ALUES = C HARACTER What values are important to you? Values are the beliefs and standards of conduct that are important to a person.. They are important to develop and stand by! FamilyCharityFriendship FitnessEducationLove HealthTrustLoyalty SecurityMotivationConfidence What action(s) would coincide with the value _________.

Y OUR S HELL Think of your top 3 character traits. Write them down. Think of your top 3 values. Write them down. What kind of shell do you have? Is it a strong, positive one, that someone with good character would use? Or is a weak, negative one, that someone with poor character would use?

H OW DO YOU STRENGTHEN YOUR S HELL ? The way to strengthen your shell is to really get to know yourself and love yourself. Building a positive self-image is vital to good character. Take some time and finish the statement, “If you really knew me, you would know…” Get with a partner and read them what you wrote. Anyone want to share with the class?

S TRENGTHENING YOUR SHELL People with good character show love and support for all friends, family, classmates, and people who they encounter. Write a reaction to the activity that you have just completed. Include: -What you learned about character -What you learned about yourself -Are you happy with your level or character today? -What changes will you make regarding your character? -What is the relationship between bullying and character?

B ULLYING ( RIGHT IN OUR BACKYARD ) How many people here know someone who has been affected by or part of any type of bullying? How many people here have been directly affected by or part of any type of bullying? Would anyone share their story?

W HY DO PEOPLE BULLY ? Activity: In your groups, come up with a list of why you think people bully others.

W HY DO PEOPLE BULLY ? To avoid facing their own feelings of not being good enough To push their own feeling of personal insecurity onto others (remember the weak egg shell with the tough appearing exterior) To reduce the fear of them being seen as what they really are…weak, inadequate, fearful To divert attention away from their own short comings and inadequacies

T YPES OF BULLYING Emotional, ex. telling someone’s boyfriend that his girlfriend hooked up with someone else even though you know she didn’t. Physical, ex. beating up a student because he is gay. Verbal, ex. telling a girl the outfit she has on is ugly, out of style and cheap. Cyber, ex. posting on someone’s Facebook wall they are not invited to a party you are having this weekend. Ways to stop bullying

D ISCUSSION Q UESTIONS : Which type of bullying is the worst? Why? Why do we still have a problem with bullying in our society? Will you stand up if you witness bullying? Bullying Experiment

H OW DO WE STOP IT ? Activity: Working in partners, you will construct a professional letter to Mr. Dundee. It must include: -Opening- what bullying is and how it is impacting GCIT -Body - an action plan to prevent, handle and discipline students who bully -Closing- how if your action plan is implemented, it will stop bullying for good at GCIT

H OW DO WE STOP IT ? Finish your rough draft in class with time allotted Elect one person to type the letter at home and print it out Have all group members sign the letter Turn in for a test grade…your letters will be turned in to Mr. Dundee