Celebrating No Name-Calling Week in January

What is “No Name-Calling Week”?

A young adult book called “The Misfits” by James Howe, was the inspiration.  The main characters in the book try to stop the name calling that is so common in everyday life of school children.  They suggest a “No Name-Calling Day”.

In the same manner the GLSEN and Simon Schuster’s Children Publishing, the publisher for “The Misfits”, brought this idea to life in schools all over the country.  Currently they have over forty national partners spreading the word about this national campaign against bullying and harassment in schools.

When is it?

January 23-27 2012

How can you get your school involved?

Contact the “No Name-Calling Week Coalition”.  They will provide all the resources needed to incorporate this movement in your school.

Want to support this movement with your children at home?

Check out the following books recommended by Signe Whitson, LSW, child and adolescent therapist and nationally recognized presenter on the subject of bullying:

Bullies Never Win by Margery Cuyler

A children’s book about Jessica, who is relentlessly bullied and tormented by her classmate Brenda Bailey.   Cuyler provides examples of how children like Jessica are affected by bullying – feeling anxious, not sleeping, quitting sports, changing how they dress, and even feeling afraid to ask for help.  In this story, Cuyler shows assertive ways that Jessica uses to stand up for herself and stop the torment.  It teaches elementary age children the tools needed to protect themselves from bullies.

The Bully Blockers Club by Teresa Bateman

The Bully Blockers Club teaches the power of a group in standing up to—and stopping (err, make that ‘blocking’)—bullies.  The Bully Blockers Club is a great book for sparking discussion with young kids about bullies, bystanders, and standing up for what is right.

My Secret Bully by Trudi Ludwig

My Secret Bully, written for upper elementary and tween readers, addresses key issues of girl bullying using the highly relatable story of two former best friends.   It can provide great discussion starters for parents guiding their children through these troubled waters.

Friendships and Other Weapons: Group Activities to Help Young Girls Aged 5-11 to Cope with Bullying by Signe Whitson, LSW

It is a wonderful discussion guide for parents and professionals trying to break the code of silence that governs conflict among girls in their early school years.  By creating safe, open, and fun forums in which group members can talk, learn, and compare experiences, elementary school aged girls gain skills for speaking up when it comes to expressing their feelings and confidence for confronting incidents of cruelty disguised as friendship.

Having worked with troubled children for over fourteen years, Signe Whitson understands the importance of being an advocate for girls and teaching them how to stand up for themselves.  As a mother of two daughters, she wanted to address the unique issues of girl bullying and relational aggression.

For advice on helping stop bullying in schools, check out www.signewhitson.com. She can also be found on Psychology Today and the Huffington Post Parents each week .

Related posts:

1. Calling The Doves by Juan Herrera Preschool Story Stretchers
2. Bullying Between Siblings
3. What to Do When Your Child is Being Bullied
4. Teach Your Children Not to Bully
5. Bullying in Public Schools