This Project Cornerstone book of the month teaches kids bullying prevention techniques and shows them that by using these tools, and seeing them used by others, their confidence in their ability to be Up-standers increases. It also allows students and teachers to discuss the difference between tattling and telling, and gives students the understanding to know that it is OK to tell when the circumstances warrant it based on a set of learned guidelines.

TATTLE does not equal TELL!

Nobody Knew What To Do tells the story of how one child found the courage to tell a teacher about Ray, a fellow student who was being picked on and bullied by children in school. Bully prevention techniques are essential, and like other skills in school, they must be taught, rehearsed and refined until everyone knows what to do. You can play an important role in helping your child practice some of these techniques. Just by listening to your child and creating opportunities for positive family communication you will help your child feel comfortable talking to you about anything. Keeping the channels of good communication open will help you become aware of situations that need further attention at school.

In this lesson, students were taught the difference between tattling and telling. They were given the following guidelines to decide when they should make a report to an adult:

1. Danger
2. Safety
3. To Prevent
4. To Protect
5. Right Thing To Do

When your child comes to you to ask for help, you can do the following to reinforce this lesson:

1. Listen
2. Ask questions to clarify the details and take notes: Who was involved? What happened? When? Where? Were there any witnesses?
3. Notify the appropriate person at school if you need support.
4. If you are not sure what to say or do, tell your child you will get back to them and follow through with your promise.
5. Be open-minded about the information your child shared with you. • Thank them for sharing their concerns and let them know you are always there for them to support and love them no matter what is happening.

Get Involved to Build a Caring and Safe School Environment

Work with teachers and administration to build asset #5— A Caring School Climate and asset #10— School Safety. Attend meetings and offer your support and time to help create a caring school community. Some ways to become involved are: become an ABC Reader, volunteer for lunch duty or establish a fun day where parents set up activities at recess. Working together between home and school helps build a community of trust and caring for all of our kids.

For more on Project Cornerstone or the 41 defined Developmental Assets that help keep our kids not at-risk, visit www.projectcornerstone.org or www.search-institute.org.