Arthur Stands Up to Bullying

PreS—Gr 2—Arthur the aardvark and his friends learn important lessons about teasing, bullying, self-confidence, competition, and friendship in the four animated segments of this program based on the children's books by Marc Brown. What do former bullies do with themselves when there is zero tolerance for bullying at school? In The Last Tough Customers, the kids try some new group identities. Molly resists until she gets a wakeup call from little James and changes her ways. In Brain's Chess Mess, Brain finds out that cool guy Rattles is the best chess player in the school when he forms a chess club to hone his skills. Could Arthur be a bully? In So Funny I Forgot to Laugh, children will learn how innocent teasing can turn into bullying. Finally, the gang enjoys a beautiful day as they share their good times in The Best Day Ever and realize how important they are to each other. Interspersed with these episodes are segments featuring children from actual second and third grade classes talking about how bullying feels and appreciating differences. Guidance counselors will find these relevant learn-by-example lessons useful and kids will relate to the characters.—Jane Newschwander, Fluvanna County Public Schools, VA