Teacher Notes
The first lesson of each of the five BeCool Modules introduces the BeCool process: LOOK COOL, THINK COOL, and ACT COOL. If you have purchased more than one module in the BeCool series and have already introduced your students to the BeCool paradigm, you may choose to ignore or spend less time with activities in this lesson related to the process.
Your more capable students will quickly learn the three "styles" of response and the benefits of each. Your more challenged students may have more difficulty. For this group, the goal should be that they become aware of "Victim" vs. "Anti-victim” characteristics, and how an "Anti-victim" demeanor can reduce the chances of being bullied.
This lesson is about how to "arm yourself against attracting the bully by assuming an "Anti-victim' attitude and "look." The process of "ignoring" the bully is also demonstrated as part of the anti-victim strategy. However, the emphasis in this lesson should be more on the characteristics of an overall "Anti-victim" approach to threatening situations.
Video Synopsis
Three bullies hassle Steve. Steve first demonstrates how a "victim" or COLD attitude and "look" attracts the boilies like bees to honey. Next, he demonstrates an antagonistic, HOT response, and ends up getting beaten up. Last, Steve demonstrates how he ends the bullying with the COOL anti-victim strategy
Introduction
Before viewing the video, discuss the following. Paraphrase and adapt the questions and content to meet the ability level of your students.
What does bullying mean?
Threatening or picking on someone in order to get something
Why do people bully?
To feel powerful or superior by making someone else feel smaller or inferior. Bullies usually feel weak themselves and have been bullied by someone in the past Some people also bully to impress others. Most bullies do not want to end up in a fight. It's too much trouble, and they may get hurt. Bullies will usually choose to look for another victim to bully rather than risk challenging someone who does not look afraid. However, if there are signs of "dangerous anger," avoid the bully entirely.
Video Introduction
Three bullies hassle Steve. There are three ways he can respond to their bullying. He can be COLD, he can be HOT or he can BeCool.