Video

Becoming an “Upstander”

When talking about bullying, you can also introduce the idea of “oops or ouch.”

Watch together as Big Bird is bullied by a group of birds that excluded him from their club (saying he’s too yellow, too tall, and too big-footed) and help children notice how he and his friends handle it. Ask:

  • How did Big Bird feel when the other birds called him names?
  • How did Elmo and Abby help Big Bird? (by finding a grown-up to help)

When talking about bullying, you can also introduce the idea of “oops or ouch.” Accidentally bumping into someone is a mistake—an “oops.” But pushing someone on purpose is an “ouch.” If we do either an oops or an ouch, it’s important to apologize. But if a person keeps doing “ouches,” that’s called bullying.