Middle schoolers are likely very familiar with the concept of bullying and cliques. Discuss their experiences and brainstorm ways to handle peer conflict and feelings of exclusion with a poem that focuses on bullying, and a second lesson that prompts group members to think about the cliques in their school.

Concepts

bullying, cyberbullying, conflict, conflict resolution, peers, social skills, friendship

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Use in a health class when focusing on peer relationships
• Encourage learners to expand their journal entry into a longer narrative essay
• Host an honest discussion about class members' experiences with cliques

Classroom Considerations

• Consists of one sample lesson from a longer series, which is available at the publisher's website 
• The difference between good and bad cliques may be more nuanced than class members can articulate

Pros

• Versatile for use in multiple classes and grades
• Come with the necessary handouts
• Connects language arts skills with topics that are relevant to teens

Cons

• None

Common Core

RL.8.1 RL.8.2 RL.8.3 W.8.3.a W.8.10 SL.8.1.a