Transforming the Bully Within
Transforming the Bully Within: A Comprehensive Approach to Change
(Transforming the Bully Within)
Bullying…Change
Read the following essay, written by Antonio, a fourth-grade student.
The Bully in the Mirror
Antonio, 4th Grade
Mirror Mirror on the wall why must I be the
Bully that has to fall. I beat on kids around the school
The mirror told me it wasn’t cool. The mirror told me to change.
My ways I have beat up kids all by days. I have no friends.
It’s just not right. The mirror said cause you like to fight.
I am a bully how could this be. The mirror is starting to
Change me. Reflections are now flashing back to me.
Someone plant the seed inside of me. Now the mirror has
shown me poor. I’ll change my ways and start
new days the bully is no more part of me.
Any bully can change
Imagine that you are Antonio’s teacher. Antonio obviously wants to make a change. As a fourth grader, it is almost impossible to do this alone. Therefore, he has handed this writing piece to you, his teacher. Understanding that this transformation involves far more than you and Antonio, you will devise a plan to help him change his history and be a good person.
First, read the Kenny (2007) article and discuss how Antonio’s “looking glass self” has been influenced by the agents of socialization. Be sure to explain how this looking glass self is related to his “answerability” and what role that has in his desire to change his behavior.
Next, devise a game plan for Antonio’s change:
- Share one lesson or activity that can be completed with the whole class. The lesson or activity should focus on the importance of awareness and bully prevention. Describe the lesson or activity and how it will benefit the class as a whole.
- List one idea showing how the class can support Antonio’s change. Explain how you would help your students support their former tormentor.
- List one strategy that you can help Antonio implement in order for him to stay on the right path (e.g., literature, a check list, or a change in routine).
- Provide one suggestion you would share with Antonio’s parents, so that this change in behavior is a true partnership between you (the teacher), the child, and the parents.
Use the information from your text and the (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. website to create your plan. You must include two scholarly sources in addition to the two given.
Criteria:(Transforming the Bully Within)
- Must be three to four double-spaced pages in length, not including title and reference pages.
- Must include at least two scholarly sources in addition to the text and required sources.
- Must be formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
- Must include a title and reference page formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.
- Must be well organized and reflect college-level writing.
Transforming the Bully Within
(answer 1:examples)
In Kenny’s (2007) article, Antonio’s “looking glass self” is profoundly influenced by the agents of socialization, particularly the mirror, which acts as a reflection of societal norms and expectations. Through the mirror’s metaphorical dialogue, Antonio internalizes the feedback and criticism, realizing the discrepancy between his actions and societal values. This process aligns with Cooley’s concept of the “looking glass self,” wherein individuals develop their self-concept through the perception of others. Antonio’s “answerability” refers to his sense of responsibility and accountability for his actions, shaped by the feedback he receives from his social environment, including the mirror. This awareness of his own behavior’s impact on others fuels his desire to change and seek redemption.
To facilitate Antonio’s transformation, the following game plan can be implemented:
- Whole-Class Lesson: Empathy Building Through Storytelling
- This lesson aims to cultivate empathy and understanding among students by engaging them in storytelling and role-playing activities.
- Activity: Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a scenario involving bullying behavior. Encourage students to discuss the thoughts and feelings of all parties involved, including the bully, the victim, and bystanders. Then, ask each group to present their scenario to the class through role-playing, emphasizing alternative, non-violent resolutions.
- Benefits: This activity fosters empathy by encouraging students to consider different perspectives and understand the emotional impact of bullying. It promotes a culture of respect and kindness within the classroom, reinforcing the importance of empathy in preventing bullying.
- Class Support for Antonio: Buddy System
- Implement a buddy system within the class where each student is paired with a buddy to support and encourage one another.
- Explain to the students that Antonio is going through a positive transformation and needs their support. Encourage them to be understanding and inclusive towards Antonio, offering friendship and assistance whenever needed.
- As the teacher, I would regularly check in with both Antonio and his buddy, providing guidance and mediation if any issues arise. Additionally, I would praise and recognize acts of kindness and support shown towards Antonio, reinforcing the importance of empathy and solidarity.
- Strategy for Antonio: Daily Reflection Journal
- Provide Antonio with a daily reflection journal where he can record his thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
- Instruct Antonio to reflect on his interactions with others, particularly instances where he may have been tempted to engage in bullying behavior. Encourage him to identify alternative, positive actions he could have taken instead.
- Review Antonio’s journal regularly, offering feedback and guidance to reinforce his progress and address any challenges he may encounter. Celebrate his achievements and milestones, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and accountability in personal growth.
- Parental Involvement: Open Communication and Positive Reinforcement
- Encourage open communication between Antonio’s parents and myself, fostering a collaborative approach to supporting Antonio’s behavior change.
- Suggest to Antonio’s parents the importance of providing consistent praise and positive reinforcement for his efforts towards change. Emphasize the need for patience and understanding as Antonio navigates this journey, reassuring them of my commitment to supporting Antonio’s growth and well-being.