Bully

So I recently saw the movie Bully and I had to get some thoughts out about this. Coincidentally enough, I saw the movie with a dear friend of mine who was bullied in middle school growing up. A girl that I didn't say some very nice things to myself. Luckily, I realized at that age that my words can hurt and that I was wrong.

The thing that gets me is that I knew I was wrong and that I made a mistake. I'm not sure how I did that, or if I came to the realization on my own.

This movie has made me think, as an educator, how I can impact students to make them realize that this is an issue. I have come to the realization that I can not be the only driving force behind the issue if a difference is going to be made. Parents, teachers, and students all have to get involved and stay involved. Maybe for some students, they will look back and think, "Hey, remember our Second Grade teacher who told us that it's ok to be different and we should respect that?" but I don't know that all of them will think this at the opportune moment down the road.

I will be honest though, that only lights a bigger fire under my butt to teach them how to respect each other and treat each other with compassion. For right now, I'm starting with my classroom. If they leave me understanding those two things, I will feel like I accomplished something this year.