Written by Allison McBride, 5th grade
Did you know that one in three kids stay home from school because of bullying? One of the largest problems students have is being bullied. Now, we all try to be kind, but sometimes, it’s difficult to keep that up! Here are some ways our school is changing students to be the best and most compassionate people they can be.
One way we have seen students be kinder is with the Buddy Bench. The Buddy Bench is a bench where, if you feel lonely, sad, or want to play with someone, you can sit down, and other students can realize that you need a friend. What makes our Buddy Bench so special is that students from East View themselves made it. Many students find themselves using it the most when they are lonely, looking for new friends, or new to our school. When someone sits on the bench, students can realize they need someone to play with. Which, if we really think about it, you don’t really know what someone is going through. So just noticing that they need a friend and playing with them, can really make their day.
Not only the Buddy Bench, but the Peace Bridge can help as well. Conflicts happen all the time between friends and friend groups often because one says the wrong thing to be funny and jokes around, while the other takes it the wrong way. So that’s when the Peace Bridge comes in! First, both friends state what they want and feel. After that, they both think of solution strategies. Then, when both peers have agreed on a solution, they shake hands, and their problem is solved. This teaches students to learn how to take ownership in their difficulties with someone independently, because throughout life, there will not always be an adult around to help solve their problems.
Many students have realized that you can change the whole world by taking just the little steps. They can either impact this world positively or negatively. So how do YOU want to impact this world? Choose wisely, how will your decisions change the world?
Allison McBride is a fifth grade student at East View Elementary School. She spends most of her week at Joy Johnson’s Dance Studio taking dance classes and strengthening her muscles. She is always out-going and spreads love to everyone around her.