A Paradigm Shift
This year I had an opportunity to teach health to my Grade 7 students which became a great source for me to empower them with life skills and address many issues that often go unnoticed with the daily routines of a classroom environment. Therefore, at the beginning of the year, I jumped on the opportunity and challenged myself with the topic most sensitive to the students at that point in time- the subject of bullying and harassment. The responses, reactions and outbursts that came out of these 12 year olds were jaw dropping. I heard stories and grievances I had never heard before from students. At first I felt that the mere catharsis of letting go of these feelings was more than enough for them. The stories, complains, and comments came pouring out naturally. For the first few classes I assured them that this was a safe space and they can share what ever they wanted to and not be afraid. There were stories of being bullied and stories of being the bully when they did not want to...
