4th Graders Learn to be Upstanders: Innovative Approaches to Social Emotional Learning

4th graders are “standing up” to bullying! Recently in social studies, students read and discussed an article in Time for Kids about becoming Upstanders, defined as someone who "speaks or acts in support of someone who’s being bullied." In a follow-up lesson with Chelsea Freeman, Lower School Counselor and Director of Social Emotional Learning, students role-played phrases they can offer both to the person being unkind and to the person being mistreated. 

 

Additionally, students read the book, Say Something by Peter H. Reynolds, and several homerooms created Upstander posters using reflection cards about specific times they can practice standing up for others. Students were encouraged to turn in names of their peers that they witnessed being an Upstander, and certificates were awarded to those students who were recognized. 

"Small actions add up to big changes," said Freeman. "I hope this work helps these students in the years ahead."

 

Learn more about innovation at St. Andrew's at gosaints.org/i2.