Young Adult Literature as the Centerpiece of an Anti-Bullying Program in Middle School

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  • Author(s): Hillsberg, Carol; Spak, Helene
  • Language:
    English
  • Source:
    Middle School Journal (J1). Nov 2006 38(2):23-28.
  • Publication Date:
    2006
  • Document Type:
    Journal Articles
    Reports - Descriptive
  • Additional Information
    • Availability:
      National Middle School Association. 4151 Executive Parkway Suite 300, Westerville, OH 43081. Tel: 800-528-6672; Tel: 800-528-6672; Fax: 614-895-4750; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://www.nmsa.org/Publications/MiddleSchoolJournal/tabid/435/Default.aspx
    • Peer Reviewed:
      Y
    • Source:
      6
    • Education Level:
      Middle Schools
    • Subject Terms:
      Grade 6; Middle Schools; Program Effectiveness; Adolescent Literature; Bullying; Reading Skills; Learning Strategies; Individual Development; Conflict Resolution; Student Volunteers; Teacher Attitudes; Administrator Attitudes; Student Behavior
    • Subject Terms:
      Illinois
    • ISSN:
      0094-0771
    • Abstract:
      This article describes an anti-bullying program with young adult literature as its centerpiece that the authors created. It explores the nature of bullying and its emotional impact on the victims, focusing on its prevalence in schools, and then describes the comprehensive anti-bullying program instituted in grades 6 to 8 at Wood Oaks Junior High School (Northbrook, Illinois), in which young adult literature and other components are used to combat bullying. The goal was to develop a school-wide campaign against bullying that featured reading, discussion, and writing as its principal weapons. Criteria for selecting the stories were that they must contain memorable protagonists, engaging plots, and thematic material that empowered the victims of bullying. Beginning in 2000, to maximize the effect of the literature, school-wide anti-bullying events were annually scheduled. Several departments, such as social studies and foreign language classes, contributed to the program, discussing historical situations in which countries and peoples had experienced bullying, stereotyping, and prejudice and brainstorming ideas that could prevent this from occurring in the future. The principal of Wood Oaks worked with student volunteers to develop an anti-bullying code that is displayed in every classroom. It is concluded that fighting bullying through the use of excellent stories can be effective in weakening the power and presence of school bullies.
    • Abstract:
      ERIC
    • Number of References:
      19
    • Publication Date:
      2007
    • Accession Number:
      EJ752882