Name Calling Lesson
Information taken from www.partnersagainsthate.org
Materials – Paper and pencil/pen
Words the teacher might use during lesson: Self-esteem, label, assumption, target, cumulative
Process:
1. Ask students to get a piece of paper out and at the top of the paper write down names they have been called at school. (No one but the teacher will see the paper so they can be more expressive if they like)
2. Next have the students at the bottom of the paper write down how they felt being called the names they listed at the top. (Again reminder them it is anonymous)
3. Collect the papers
4. Read aloud and/or write some of the names or labels that were written at the top of the paper.
5. Then write in a different place on the board the list of emotions or feelings that the students had when they were labeled or called names.
Discussion:
1. After the lists have been made the teacher can ask a few of the following question to try to guide a class discussion. Remind students that the names and feelings on the board came from their peers in the class and that the discussion should be respectful.
2. Questions
a. What is the impact of name-calling? Are the results primarily constructive or destructive?
b. Which of the names that are listed based, at least in part, on stereotypes?
c. Do you think that names-calling is common? If so, why do you think it is common?
d. What are some possible long-term effects if someone is repeatedly called hateful names? (e.g., low self-esteem, depression, anger, feelings of isolation)
e. What effects might persistent name-calling have on a school’s overall atmosphere?
f. What are some possible ways to respond when you are called a hurtful name without retaliating using more hateful or hurtful words?
g. What are some non-confrontational ways to respond if you hear your friends calling others hurtful names? What are the benefits and challenges of saying something to your friends in such a situation?
h. Would you ever intervene if you heard someone that you didn’t know calling someone a hurtful name? Why or Why not?
Wrapping it Up/Make the Connection:
1. Remind the students of the Olweus Anti-Bullying Rules that are posted in your classroom.
2. Replace the word bullying with some form of name-calling.
Examples:
1. We will not call others hurtful or harmful names.
2. We will try to help students who are being called names.
3. We will try to include students who are being called hurtful names.
4. If we know that someone is being called names, we will tell an adult at school and an adult at home.