Fingerprint Unity

October is National Bully Prevention and Awareness month. Children are the victims of bullying nearly every day. Both in school, in the home, and in the community of peers, children suffer from acts and words that are hurtful and harm their self-esteem. Children who are bullied at school are fearful of the school community and do not feel safe attending school. This should not happen. Schools are a place where children should always feel safe and welcomed, regardless of age, gender, race, or culture. In support of Bully Prevention and Awareness, this idea can be used in the classroom to make a pact against bullying. A lesson can be constructed around bullying and incorporate this activity. On a piece of paper with a large tree on it, each student would put their fingerprint on the tree. The fingerprints could be a variety of colors and placed on the branches to mimic leaves. Upon placing their fingerprint on the tree, the students would be told that by doing so, they would be agreeing to make a pact against bullying. Forming together and creating a friendship tree, the students would gain a sense of unity. The completed tree could be framed and placed in the classroom, where students will always be reminded to refrain from bullying and stay united as friends.