📖

Facing the Bullies

Bridge to Terabithia - Courage and Conflict

Day 41of 180
Week 9of 36
35Minutes
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🖨️ Download Worksheet (PDF)
🎯 What You'll Learn

Learning Objectives

1

Analyze how characters respond to bullying

2

Understand the importance of courage and compassion

3

Explore biblical principles of dealing with conflict

📖 Scripture Connection

Proverbs 15:1

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger.”

— Proverbs 15:1 (WEB)

Demonstrates how responding with kindness can defuse conflict

📦 Materials Needed

  • Bridge to Terabithia novel
  • Conflict resolution worksheet
  • Colored pencils
  • Bible
📚 Step-by-Step

Lesson Plan

1Opening (5 min)

Begin with prayer asking God for wisdom in handling difficult relationships. Ask students about times they've witnessed or experienced bullying.

💭 Review Question: What makes someone brave when facing a difficult situation?
2Teaching (15 min)

Read Chapter 6 of Bridge to Terabithia, focusing on how Jess and Leslie respond to Janice Avery's bullying. Explore different ways of handling conflict.

📌 Key Talking Points:
  • Understanding the root of bullying behavior
  • Importance of empathy
  • Choosing peaceful responses
💬 Discussion Questions:
  • How did Jess and Leslie show courage?
  • What would Jesus do in this situation?
  • How can we respond to meanness with love?
3Activity: Conflict Resolution Storyboard (10 min)
hands-on

Students create a comic strip showing a conflict resolution that demonstrates Christian love and understanding.

📝 Instructions:
  1. Divide paper into 4-6 comic panels
  2. Draw a bullying or conflict scenario
  3. Show a positive, compassionate resolution
  4. Include a Bible verse that relates to the solution
🔄 Variations:

Simpler: Draw 3 panels instead of 6

Challenge: Add dialogue that shows emotional intelligence

4Closing (5 min)

Reflect on how we can show God's love in difficult relationships

📝 Review Questions:
  • What did you learn about handling conflict?
  • How can kindness change a difficult situation?
🙏 Prayer:

Dear God, help us to respond to others with love, even when it's hard. Give us courage to stand up for what's right and compassion to understand others.

Coming up: Tomorrow we'll explore how gifts can show friendship in the novel

💎 Memory Verse

Matthew 5:44

“But I tell you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you.”

— Matthew 5:44 (WEB)

🎯 Activity: Role-play verse in different conflict scenarios

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents

Teaching Notes

📚 Background:

Chapter 6 deals with bullying and creative conflict resolution

💡 Teaching Tips:
  • Discuss real-life conflict resolution strategies
  • Emphasize empathy over retaliation
  • Help children understand the difference between standing up for themselves and being mean
🤔 Common Struggles:

Children often feel powerless when facing bullies

👀 Signs of Understanding:

Thoughtful responses showing emotional intelligence

🚀 Want More?

Extension Activities

  • Research famous peaceful conflict resolvers like Martin Luther King Jr.
  • Write a journal entry from a bully's perspective
  • Practice conflict resolution role-play scenarios

Ready for Tomorrow?

Great job completing today's lesson!

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