Lesson Plan

Mean vs Bullying Plan

Students will learn to distinguish mean behavior from bullying by exploring clear definitions, analyzing real-life scenarios, and reflecting on personal experiences to build empathy and know when to seek help.

Understanding the difference between mean behavior and bullying empowers students to recognize harmful actions, promotes empathy, and encourages them to seek support and act kindly, fostering a safer classroom community.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Definitions

3 minutes

Step 2

Scenario Analysis

7 minutes

Step 3

Reflection and Action Planning

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Mean vs Bullying

Welcome the student. Today we’ll learn the difference between mean behavior and bullying. Encourage them to share ideas as we go.

Learning Objectives

Read aloud the objectives. Briefly explain each one in kid-friendly language.

What Is Mean Behavior?

Explain that mean behavior usually happens once and can be fixed with a sorry. Ask: “Can you think of a time someone was mean but said sorry?”

What Is Bullying?

Emphasize repetition and power imbalance. Ask: “Why do you think it hurts more when someone keeps doing it?”

Scenario Analysis

Hand the student a [Scenario Card](#scenario-cards-mean-bullying) one at a time. Ask “Is this mean or bullying? Why?” Guide their reasoning.

Reflection & Action

Give the [Reflection Worksheet](#reflection-worksheet-mean-bullying). Prompt the student to write or draw answers to each question. Discuss their ideas and reinforce help-seeking and kindness.

Lesson Plan

Mean vs Bullying Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

Step 1

Introduction and Definitions

Step 2

Scenario Analysis

Step 3

Reflection and Action Planning

Slide Deck

Mean vs Bullying

Learning Objectives

What Is Mean Behavior?

What Is Bullying?

Scenario Analysis

Reflection & Action

Activity

Worksheet

Mean vs Bullying

daryl.kwiatkowski