Alphabet Rockers work on bullying prevention through hip hop, storytelling, and their friendship.
Introducing: “The New Kid in School: A Bullying Prevention Show”
Through hip hop, beatboxing and the friendship of three Alphabet Rockers, students learn skills that are proven to prevent being bullied or being a bully:
–empathy
–assertiveness
–social problem solving
In writing the script and story of this show, we did a lot of reflection on where our experiences of bullying came from in our feelings, body and minds. What we uncovered is that the experience of feeling left out is universal, and is something as valid today as adults as it is for children in the schoolyard. The action of intentionally leaving others out, or putting others down to keep one’s social status, this is at the root of bullying practice and positioning. But it’s not unique to children and youth.
One of the stories we tell is of Kaitlin being the new kid in school. Stefanie and Tommy are practicing their dance moves on the playground and Tommy stops when he sees Kaitlin sitting all by herself, with her headphones on. “Hey…. who’s that new kid? Maybe we should say hi to her.” Stefanie is resistent. At a glance, it would seem she is being mean. But when we freeze the scene, the children point out that Stefanie feels left out. She is worried that Tommy’s intention to reach out and make Kaitlin feel comfortable will result in her losing her best friend.
What’s interesting about this scene is that we do this as adults, too. It’s not childish behavior. We have all been resistent to welcoming someone into our “circles” – and have likely actively kept people “out.” What we are doing as Alphabet Rockers with our children in this conversation and performance is also changing the way that we, as Kaitlin, Tommy and Stefanie, interact with the world around us.
There are more stories that unfold in our show, “The New Kid in School” – and it’s really something transforming the way that we can look at inclusion and standing up for one another.
Alphabet Rockers have received three Parents’ Choice Awards and 4 stars from Common Sense Media. The show was designed by the Alphabet Rockers team, made of experienced teaching artists and our state-certified educational advisor. For more information on the show, contact Maria Freda, Educational Advisor at maria@alphabetrockers.com. This show is an official program of Young Audiences of Northern California.
Video shot and edited by: Chromosome 16 Productions
Leave A Comment