Understanding Bullying
Supporting children who are bullied
and challenging those who bully

This book of eighteen stories provides staff at KS2, KS1
and in the Early Years with an innovative and cost-effective way
to engage children, build empathy and develop their understanding
of fairness and social justice. Children empathise and care deeply
about the Dolls and listen attentively to their stories while actively contributing their ideas. They know they're dolls but think of them
as 'people'. They share their joys and sympathise with them
when they are sad.

The stories encourage children to imagine what it might be like
to live through situations that they personally have not experienced
and to talk about what they would have done had they been
in the Doll's situation. They are able and motivated to do this because
they identify so closely with and care about what happens to the Dolls.
The saying that sticks and stones may break my bones but names break my heart is a thread running through many of the stories and children
are urged to tell an adult when they are bullied or witness bullying.

The stories are designed to help children understand that they
and everyone else are special and that the differences between them
are also special, not a reason to hurt and tease each other about.
If children know about and are comfortable with those they perceive
as different, they are less likely to bully.

Many children who bully have low self-esteem and poor communication skills but by actively participating in Persona Doll story-telling sessions
they can experience acceptance and approval, voice their ideas,
thoughts and feelings and have the space and the time to reflect
on their actions and, hopefully, change their behaviour.
Much of the teasing and bullying of children is triggered
largely by prevailing prejudices and stereotypical thinking.

The Department for Education requires that:

• Prejudice-based bullying is taken seriously.

• Children feel safe in the playground, the corridors and in their classrooms.

• Children are encouraged to respect the differences between themselves and their peers.

• As part of their behaviour policy all schools should have an anti-bullying policy.

• Ofsted inspectors will look for evidence and report on how much bullying there is in a school, how well it is dealt with and how well different groups
of pupils, particularly those with a disability and/or special educational
needs are provided for.

The stories in the book are offered as tasters that can be told,
adapted and transformed to meet particular situations. Some are suitable
for children in the Early Years and others for those at KS1 and KS2.
A few are based on stories that have been told to children in settings
and schools and others are fictional. Tasks are included to encourage
children to discuss and pool their ideas. Each is illustrated with a colour
photograph of a Persona Doll.

Apart from the stories the book includes a concise guide to working
with the Dolls. A free DVD shows teachers and practitioners telling
Persona Doll stories in a supportive learning environment.
The children's emotional involvement with the Dolls and the spontaneity
with which they express their feelings and ideas, speaks for itself.

 

Click here for more information and to access the order form.