- Teasing refers to critical statements about a person's actions, appearance, or characteristics made by others to produce a strong reaction. It's often an attempt to feel bigger by making someone else smaller.
- Teasing is a problem that can be handled effectively - you have a choice of how to respond.
- COLD and HOT responses may make us feel better for a little while but usually make the situation worse by prolonging the teasing, having to face friends later when it is harder, and by losing our self-respect.
- The BeCool response to Teasing has three steps:
- LOOKING COOL by "calming yourself" before doing anything (have a detached nonthreatening demeanor)
- THINKING COOL with positive self-talk and clear decision-making (using "non-blaming perceiving style" statements)
- ACTING COOL by choosing to "ignore," "laugh it off" or "change the subject."
- "Laughing It Off" works because your friends see you aren't taking it personally and you are all enjoying something together instead of "them" against "you."
- "Changing the Subject" works because it distracts the teasers' attention to something else.
- When we support our friends to BeCool, we are helping build a more peaceful world.
- The skills you are learning can change your life so you can empower yourself and you can help others be empowered.
- When you win fairly, everyone wins. It's not good to let people get away with being unfair or unkind to us. It's not good for them or for us.
- Do not try to be friendly with a stranger. "Ignore and leave" as soon as you can. Go get help if you need to.
Independent Viewing of Video
Encourage students to view the video independently. You may also suggest that the students take the video home to teach their families the BeCool strategy. Have students practice the calming techniques along with the characters in the video.
Parent Education/Involvement
Consider showing the video and discussing the BeCOOL strategy at parent meetings, open houses, PTA meetings, etc.
Return to: Lesson 1: Independent Activities