Skills Building: The Juice Box Bully (PK-5)

Written by Bob Sornson and Maria Dismondy, Illustrated by Kim Shaw

TEKS: Reading K.5(D); 1.6(D); 2.6(D); 3.6(D); 4.6(D); 5.6(D)

Pre- Reading Questions

When is it important to speak up for others?
When it is important to speak up for yourself?
Speaking up for yourself and asking for something you need in a respectful and honest way can also be called “being assertive.” Tell me about a time that you were assertive.
How should your tone sound when you are speaking up for yourself?

Post- Reading Questions

The students in Mr. Peltzer’s class stood up for themselves and for each other. Describe a time in your life that you spoke up for yourself and acted assertively.
What did this book teach you about being assertive and standing up for others?
Describe the communication boosters and bloopers the students used in the story.
What was this story trying to teach us?
How did this story make you feel?

Creative Enrichment Activity: Stand Up SuperBuddy

Overview

To learn about standing up for themselves and being assertive, students will create their Stand Up SuperBuddy alter ego. Students will think about how they can stand up for what is right and make a positive impact on the world around them.

Materials

SuperBuddy Template
SuperBuddy Plaque
Scissors
Crayons, colored pencils or markers

Duration: 30 Minutes

5 minutes – Introduce Stand Up SuperBuddy
15 minutes – Create Stand Up SuperBuddy
5 minute – Share projects
5 minutes – Reflect on the activity

Instructions

Before the activity, print the SuperBuddy template on white cardstock and SuperBuddy plaque on regular white paper.
Begin the activity by defining assertiveness and talking about what it means to stand up for what is right:
Teacher: “Being assertive means to clearly explain what we need and want from someone in a respectful way. If someone is bullying you or someone you know, you can stand up to them in a respectful way and tell them to stop. You can also get help from a trusted adult if you stand up for yourself and others and they do not stop.”
Pass out supplies and explain how to make a Stand Up SuperBuddy. A SuperBuddy is someone who is a friend to all and stands up for what is right.
Have students brainstorm characteristics their SuperBuddy alter ego would possess (e.g., Kindness Katie, Brave Bryon, Assertive Andrea, Courageous Connor, etc.).
Next, students will design and decorate their SuperBuddy by adding clothing, a cape, facial features, hair, etc. Encourage students to fill the entire template with color. Students can draw outside the lines of the template if they desire.
Once their SuperBuddy is complete, use scissors to cut out the SuperBuddy and the SuperBuddy stand.
Cut slits in the stand and SuperBuddy and connect them together.
Next, cut out the SuperBuddy plaque and fill in its name and superpowers. Younger students may need help with spelling.
For large groups, set up all the SuperBuddies and plaques on tables. Lead students on a gallery walk to view the different SuperBuddies that were created.
For small groups, have students gather in a circle and share about their SuperBuddy.