The Bullying Prevention Handbook
The Bullying Prevention Handbook, John H. Hoover and Ronald Oliver.
A comprehensive schoolwide intervention program is what the authors prescribe for the day-to-day teasing and harassment that make school life miserable for many children. Hoover and Oliver take the reader step-by-step through strategies such as reverse role playing, assertiveness training and other social skills training, counseling for children who are scapegoats, and a screening checklist for families of the bullies. They also explore the roots of this "insidious aspect of violence," which include family dynamics, the classroom environment, and the overall culture of the school.
What do students themselves say about bullying? The authors cite a national survey of 4th through 12th graders. Students in every grade—both male and female—ranked "didn't fit in" as the number one reason for bullying. Among the 8th through 12th graders, boys ranked physical weakness, being short-tempered, who friends are, and clothing next; while girls cited facial appearance, crying/being emotional, being overweight, and—yes!—good grades, as the next most frequent causes of bullying.
Available from the National Educational Service, 1610 West Third St., P.O. Box 8, Bloomington, IN 47402; (812) 336-7700 or (800) 733-6786 (e-mail: nes@bluemarble.net). 1996. Paperbound, 160 pp. $21.95 plus 7 percent of order ($3 minimum) for shipping.
Kids and the Power of Work
Kids and the Power of Work (KAPOW) program, National Child Labor Committee.
KAPOW is a national network of business-elementary school partnerships designed to expose children to the world of work. Founded in 1991 by the National Child Labor Committee and Grand Metropolitan Inc., it now operates in nearly 30 communities in 18 states. Each business volunteer is paired with a classroom teacher for an entire school year. The volunteers use KAPOW's lesson plans to conduct one lesson a month on topics such as career awareness, positive work habits, problem solving, decision making, and teamwork. Once a year, students visit the participating business. The program's national staff members train the volunteers, teachers, and principals, and offer ongoing technical assistance.
Among the 80 businesses currently involved are American Airlines, the Bronx Health Plan, City of Miami, GTE, Haagen-Dazs, Kraft Foods, Inc., Metro Dade Aviation Department, Pacific Gas and Electric, Pearle Vision, Inc., the Pillsbury Co., Smith Barney, and the U.S. Customs Service.
For details, contact Joey Moffitt, KAPOW, 1501 Broadway, Suite 1111, New York, NY 10036; (212) 840-1801 (e-mail: NCLCKAPOW@aol.com). No cost to participating schools.
