Kids Helping Kids

only a few students (any special trinket can be used in place of the button). For
example: Give the buttons to all students wearing sneakers or without glasses. You
might do this earlier in the day. Do not call attention to the buttons or answer any
questions as to why you are distributing them.
Note: As part of the closure for this lesson you will discuss the fact that only some
students had buttons and you will relate this example of exclusion to relational
aggression.
Display the essential question for this lesson and select a student to read the question
aloud. All students should be thinking of the answer to these questions as the lesson
proceeds.
Rules for brainstorming:
1. All answers are welcome.
2. Do not comment on or judge anyone’s response.
3. Jump on the idea train—piggybacking is permitted; adding onto someone else’s
idea is okay.
4. We like lots of ideas.
5. Keep them coming!
Ask students to brainstorm all the ways that kids can help each other. Then,
brainstorm all the ways kids can hurt other kids. Write down the responses on the
chalkboard or chart paper, or have individual students respond on paper, and then
have the class read the list aloud. Allow a maximum of five minutes for
brainstorming.
After everyone has had a chance to respond, suggest that the list can be divided into
three categories. Use the following three headings: physical (e.g., pushing and
hitting), verbal (e.g., teasing and name calling), and relational (e.g., exclusion,
silent treatment) aggression. Ask students to decide where each item on the list goes.
Expand upon relational aggression by sharing its definition and relevant examples.
Suggested questions include:
• What does it mean to be in a relationship?
• Does anyone know what aggression is?
©2006 The Ophelia Project ®
Kids Helping Kids - 27