Educator & family guide

Playground Bully Blues

By Marc Ladin · Illustrated by Al Margolis · Boomvang Press · Ages 7–12 · Grades 2–5

Themes

Bullying and its effects · asking for help · trusted adults · courage and persistence · empathy · the role of bystanders

Before reading

1. Look at the cover. How do you think each boy is feeling? What clues tell you?
2. What does the word "bully" mean to you? What does "the blues" mean?
3. What is your favorite part of recess? What could make recess hard for someone?

While reading

4. How does the main character feel about going outside? How can you tell?
5. Why do you think some of the adults didn't know how to help?
6. Listen for the rhymes. Which rhyming words did you notice?

After reading

7. What did the gym teacher do that was different from the other adults?
8. Why is it important to keep asking for help, even when the first answer doesn't work?
9. If you saw someone being bullied, what are three safe things you could do?
10. What is the difference between telling on someone and getting help for someone?
11. Who are the trusted adults at your school? At home?

Vocabulary

The story uses rich vocabulary. List the words you want to teach, then have students write a definition and use each in a sentence.

Classroom activities

1. Role-play: What would you do?

In small groups, act out each situation, then talk about what helped.

• Someone keeps taking your ball at recess.
• A classmate is left out of a game every day.
• You told a grown-up about a problem, but nothing changed.

2. Write your own verse

The book is told in rhyme. Write a four-line rhyme about a time you were brave or helped a friend.

3. Recess kindness map

Draw a map of your playground. Mark safe spots, where grown-ups stand, and a "buddy bench" where anyone can find a friend.

4. Helper hand

Students trace their hand and write a trusted adult on each finger (see the free activity pack).