SEL Curriculum: Stomping Out Bullying

Framework: How, When, Who, Where, Why, What

Skills are developed through role-play, guided reflection, family meetings, and small-group work in therapeutic and educational settings. They apply during play, in cafeterias, on playgrounds, in sports, religious schools, community events, and online — across all relationships, identities, and ages.

Why We Teach These Skills

From a young age, children need language and support for feeling ignored, hurt, unsafe, or made fun of — and for speaking up, listening, and standing up for one another. This work must be inclusive of all identities so every person's dignity is honored.

25 Core Attributes & Skills

• Kindness, Compassion, Acceptance, Forgiveness, Empathy
• Patience, Tolerance, Integrity, Inclusiveness, Understanding
• Respect, Perspective-taking, Responsibility, Accountability, Sympathy
• Appreciation, Gratitude, Loyalty, Sensitivity, Courage
• Honesty, Dependability, Self-discipline, Unselfishness, Love

How to Teach These Attributes (Adults)

• Be a conscious role model — children internalize what they see.
• Play with them — pretend play and games teach sharing and turn-taking.
• Teach problem-solving — name the problem, brainstorm, choose, reflect.
• Encourage questions — invite "why," "what if," and "how."
• Practice making choices and considering consequences.

Critical Thinking & Bullying Prevention

Critical thinking helps children examine situations, ask questions, weigh evidence, and resist peer pressure. Support it with open-ended questions ("What makes you think that?"), multiple perspectives ("How did your friend feel?"), and checking facts vs. feelings.

Compassion & Advocacy at Home

• Model respectful behavior toward others and your child.
• Make kindness frequent — not just on holidays.
• Involve children in long-term giving projects.
• Empower children to choose causes that matter to them.
• Debrief after volunteering — diversity, respect, small actions.

Student Workbook — Where, Who, What

• Practice through role-play, partner work, classroom meetings, journaling.
• Use these tools in class, at recess, on the bus, online, in after-school programs.
• Build a "support map" of trusted adults and peers.
• Create a class rule that makes shared spaces feel safer.

Recommended Children's Books

• The Kindness Quilt — Nancy Elizabeth Wallace
• Have You Filled a Bucket Today? — Carol McCloud
• If You Plant a Seed — Kadir Nelson
• The Juice Box Bully — Bob Sornson & Maria Dismondy
• Stop Picking on Me — Pat Thomas
• Strictly No Elephants — Lisa Mantchev
• We Are All Beautifully Different — Jennifer Kempner