The Bully Smart Series 2006
Distributed by Human Relations Media, 41 Kensico Drive, Mt. Kisco, NY 10549; 800-431-2050
Produced by Mazzarella Bros. Productions
Directed by Mark Mazzarella
VHS, color, 4 tapes, 15 min. each
Grades 2-6
Adolescence, Child Development, Education, Parenting, Psychology, Sociology, Teacher Training
Date Entered: 12/21/2005
Reviewed by Hope Marie Cook, Curriculum Center Librarian, Eastern Connecticut State UniversityThe Bully Smart Series, made up of four videos and a teacher guide does a commendable job in breaking down the topic of bullying by first asking, “are you a bully?” By showing various scenarios of what is considered bully behavior it is clear that before one moves forward with this series they should closely examine what constitutes a bully. The accompanying videos address ways to halt a bully, and gives intervention tools and advice on what to do if you discover you are a bully. Additionally, the videos introduce a new type of bullying called cyber bullying and approach the seriousness and consequences of practicing this type of behavior.
These professionally produced set of four videos are clearly organized. The transition from one lesson to another is nicely done, keeping each short enough to hold the viewer’s attention. The actors in the various vignettes role play in a way that is non-scripted making their stories believable and easy to share and follow. A teacher’s resource book with tips on using the program as well as student activity sheets compliment the series and make this a well rounded and useful curriculum tool.
The treatment of this topic is handled in a serious manner. This video could become a medium for further dialog and discussion with parents, teachers, and administrators and would be an obvious choice for schools looking for solid curriculum concerning the subject mater. These materials would also be useful for counselors and classroom teachers who have the obligation to develop and implement appropriate strategies and resources for students who have experienced being bullied or have bullied others. The audio and video qualities are excellent. This resource is highly recommended with great potential for use in many collections. It is imperative that childcare centers, public libraries and curriculum centers make these materials available. Educators can easily adapt these materials to everyday teaching allowing new opportunity for discussion in the classroom and among professionals in the field.