In our counseling lessons, 3rd graders are reading Simon’s Hook by Karen Gedig Burnett and learning how to handle teasing in calm, confident ways.
In this lesson, we talk about how teasing words can be like a fishing “hook.” When we react quickly or emotionally, it’s like we’ve taken the bait. Instead, students will practice ways to stay in control by using five “hook-free” strategies:
Do little or nothing (ignore and walk away)
Agree (take the power away)
Distract (change the subject)
Laugh or Tell a Joke (show it doesn’t bother you)
Stay away (move to a different place or group)
Students will learn the difference between a quick reaction (which can make a situation bigger) and a calm response (which often helps stop the teasing).
We will also discuss the difference between teasing and bullying:
Bullying is when unkind behavior happens repeatedly and is one-sided (there is a power imbalance). When this is happening, it should always be reported to a trusted adult.
If someone says something unkind once or twice, students can try using one of the hook-free strategies to handle it calmly.
