Llama And The Bully Goat Summary

Patterns of social interaction develop during early childhood, the same point at which the roots of bullying behavior typically originate, and children begin to define themselves (Vance, 2014). Educators should purposefully target, and attempt to eliminate bullying conduct in young children. This form of aggressive behavior often begins once students enter kindergarten; however, programs often wait until the upper elementary grades to address the issue, despite evidence that peer group rejection in kindergarten may continue throughout the primary school years (McCormack, 2014). Llama Llama and the Bully Goat, is a children’s book that addresses the subject of bullying in an age-appropriate manner. Through discussion and activities, children

can be informed about the various roles that are present in bullying situations, as well as provided with tools to properly respond.
A pervasive problem in school, bullying is one-sided, repeated aggressive behavior that intends to harm or disturb another person physically, verbally or psychologically (McCormack, 2014). Research has shown that bullying not only affects a child’s learning, but also has detrimental consequences on a child’s future development, contributes to low self-esteem and depression (McCormack, 2014). Bullying has a negative effect on the bully, the bullied, as well as the bystanders of the incident (McCormack, 2014). Each person has a role in the incident, and will need to receive guidance and support to combat the negative behavior (Vance, 2014). To address the issue, child appropriate lessons should be taught, modeled and reinforced.
Llama Llama and the Bully Goat is picture book that provides a model example of acceptable and unacceptable behavior. The book was selected because of the school setting, and the incidences that will be familiar to 6 to 8- year- old children. Occurring during circle time and at recess, a time when bullying is often prevalent, the children will be able to relate to the events.
The characters, consisting of various animals, are relatable and will make a connection with young readers. The diversities in the characters confirm to young children, that everyone is different and unique, but no one deserves to be made fun of because of his or her differences. Gilroy, one of the main characters, plays the role of bully by teasing and name-calling, and does not seem to be bothered by his actions, or how they affect others. Llama Llama, also a main character, witnesses bullying, is bullied, and is uncertain how to respond. This book models the roles of bully, target, defender and bystander that exist during a bullying episode (Kaiser & Rasminsky, 2017).
Although the other characters do not confront Gilroy, Llama Llama chooses to stand up to him, and tells him to stop teasing him and the other animals.

The story concludes with Llama Llama recalling that his teacher taught him to walk away from a bullying situation, and to tell an adult. It is crucial that young children understand that it is okay to tell an adult about bullying drama. Bullying often goes unreported because students believe adults will not listen to the concern, think the school cannot help, or fear retaliation (McCormack, 2014). Llama Llama informs the teacher about Gilroy’s behavior, and she does not tolerate his actions. This is a positive message that can encourage young children to talk about what is happening to them, or others. After the teacher speaks with Gilroy about his undesirable conduct, he changes his behavior. Llama Llama wants everyone to be friends again. This book not only addresses the bullying situation, but also promotes social and emotional

development.
Reinforcing the bully theme, several activities are taught over a period of days.

Showing a developmentally appropriate video addressing bullying behavior, will introduce the topic. As a follow-up, students will do partner talk, discussing a time when he or she witnessed, or was part of a bullying situation, and how they handled the incident. Llama Llama and the Bully Goat, will be read aloud to the children, in whole group, and a retell completed focusing on details of the story. After the discussion, students will choose to illustrate one of the bullying episodes from the story, along with how he or she would respond. This activity can also be added as a center for independent work. Emergent readers will listen to, follow along with the story, and choose one incident, and a response to illustrate. Student who can read and write, will draw the incident and response, as well as complete a writing component. An additional option for extending the lesson, is to incorporate role playing using episodes from the story, or incidences generated from the discussion. For younger children, puppets will be integrated into the lesson to act out appropriate ways to handle bullying situations. As a concluding activity, a brainstorming session will be used to generate ways to prevent bullying in the classroom, and in the school. Through collaboration, students will devise rules specific to eliminating bully

behavior.
In conclusion, researchers agree that children’s emotional regulation, and developing social skills and behavior, contribute to bullying behavior in young children (McCormack, 2014). Bully prevention education should explicitly address both physical and relational forms of aggression to prevent both behaviors (Vance, 2014). Children's literature can be an effective and nonthreatening way to integrate bullying education in the classroom. Students can be engaged through small and large group discussions, writing, role-play, artwork, and other activities making connections to real-life. Utilizing Llama Llama and the Bully Goat, children learn the various roles played in a bullying situation, as well as how to respond. Teachers should be equipped with skills to prevent, and detect bullying behavior, and empower students to support one another.