Harold tells me that this post has generated a lot of traffic. This is obviously a topic which touches all of our lives.For those who are interested,here is another poem:

Fabulous Patricia

My friend Patricia's a fabulous girl.

Her hair is gold with a bit of a curl.

She smiles like an angel and sings like a bird.

The likes of Patricia have never been heard.

She has such a talent for singing a song.

Her voice is so clear, and so sweet, and so strong.

There isn't a doubt; she is terribly gifted.

When listening to her I feel so uplifted.

That's why it's so sad,

The things that they say.

Those kids on the playground,

I heard them today.

Because they are jealous of what they have heard,

They tease her,

They taunt her,

They call her a nerd.

It's a terrible loss and it must not be.

Someone must fix this,

I guess it is me.

The next time those kids,

Are being unkind

I'll say to them “Stop!â€

And perhaps they may find ...

The fact that she's pretty,

The fact she can sing,

Is not for one moment

A terrible thing.

I can speak French.

He can run laps.

You can score goals.

And maybe, perhaps ...

I'll be your fan.

You can be mine.

So, sing on, Patricia,

And let yourself shine.

Fabulous Patricia Appendix

Topics for discussion:

What are the causes and effects of jealousy?
How would you define self-esteem? What effects can bullying have on a victim's self-esteem?
How can onlookers positively and negatively affect a bullying incident? What is a social conscience?
Describe what is meant by loyalty. What is the value of a good friend?
When and how should you intervene in a bullying incident?

Classroom Activities:

Try to recall an occasion when you felt jealous. Write a short account of how you felt and what you may have done or thought of doing. As a class, brainstorm some constructive methods of dealing with these negative thoughts and urges.
List ten qualities which a good friend displays. How might you go about applying these qualities in a relationship?
Pick names out of a hat and tell that person one thing they do well or that you like about them.
In small groups, put on a play about a clique ganging up on someone. Pretend that a few onlookers decided to intervene. What do they do and say?