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Homeroom classes are a valuable opportunity to work with students beyond the academic curriculum. It’s a space where we can build empathy, active listening, and team spirit. In one word: relationships.When we talk about bullying, we often think of reactive solutions. But the key lies in prevention. And prevention starts with the active involvement of students. How? Through interactive methods that challenge them to think, feel, and act consciously.
Role-Playing – connecting through lived experience
A well-designed role-play does more than a full hour of theory. It helps students step into someone else's shoes.
Present them with a simple scenario: a new student is being excluded by peers. Assign roles to the class and allow freedom of expression.
After the exercise, hold an open discussion. What did they feel? What could they have done differently? What made them uncomfortable?
These moments not only build empathy but also teach students how to respond in real-life bullying situations.
The empathy line – A reflection and belonging exercise
This activity is simple but emotionally impactful. Mark a line on the floor or use a colorful strip of tape.
- Make statements like: “Step forward if you’ve ever felt ignored at school.” Students move silently.
- Continue with others: “If you’ve seen someone being laughed at,” “If you’ve been supported by someone.”
- At the end, create a safe space for discussion. No judgment—just reflection. Students will understand they are not alone.
- It’s an excellent way to raise awareness about the effects of bullying without naming it directly.
Forum theatre – students as actors and active spectators
This method comes from educational theatre. The script starts with a bullying situation played out in front of the class.
At the center: a conflict. A joke that goes too far. A student ridiculed in front of their peers.
After the first run, the audience intervenes. Any student can stop the scene and suggest a different reaction. Then the scene is replayed.
This way, students experience firsthand how a different response can change the outcome of a tense situation.
It’s a method that develops critical thinking and shows them they play an active role in preventing bullying.
Rotating tables – structured peer dialogue
Divide the class into small groups and give each group a question or scenario to discuss.
For example: “What would you do if a classmate is constantly teased?” “How should you react as a witness?”
After 5–10 minutes, students rotate and switch tables, continuing the discussion started by the previous group.
At the end, each table shares their conclusions. This generates a variety of ideas and a sense of shared vision.
It’s an interactive method that reduces the fear of speaking out and encourages collaboration.
The “Silent Hero” exercise – when good deeds go unsung
Talk about the idea of the silent hero—someone who helps without seeking attention.
Ask students if they’ve seen such behavior in their peers. Then let them write anonymous notes.
“Today, X shared their sandwich with me.” “Y supported me when I was teased.”
Read the notes together, without naming the students. The message is clear: good deeds exist and deserve to be noticed.
This is a great activity to balance the bullying narrative with positive stories.
The suggestion corner – Students as architects of solutions
Create a special corner in the classroom where students can leave ideas for improving the school environment.
It can be a box, a magnetic board, or a colorful panel. Anyone can write a suggestion.
Examples: “Respect Day,” “Support club for new students,” “Student-created community rules.”
From time to time, discuss the suggestions and implement the best ones. This is what authentic involvement looks like.
Closing reflection – Questions that stay with them
At the end of each activity, wrap up with a reflective question: “What did you learn about yourself today?”
This simple question often leads to deep answers. It transforms a homeroom class into a moment of real awareness.
Bullying doesn’t disappear overnight. But conscious involvement, step by step, builds a supportive community.
Students need to feel like active participants, not just bystanders. And you, as their homeroom teacher, are their guide in this journey.