Last year every sixth grader at Discovery Middle School read, Don't Feed the Bully. I then came into the school and spoke to them all.
This year, we did the same thing, but I also spoke, not only, to the new sixth grade but also to the seventh grade who had seen me the previous year.
Both classes were then given questionnaires about the book before I came in. Both grades were asked to write letters to me on their impression of the program and it's usefulness.
Last years class letters can be found here. STUDENT LETTERS 07'
This years letters can be found here. STUDENT LETTERS 08'
I have gone through the information a couple times which is where I get the 80% figure. Below are some preliminary findings
The sixth grade consisted of 130 girls and 121 boys.
105 of the girls and 102 of the boys agreed Don't Feed the Bully was either their favorite book or equal to other books they had read.
75% of boys who said they did not like reading responded that Don't Feed The Bully was their favorite book or one of the favorites they had every read.
100% of girls who said they don't like reading responded that they finished the book.
More than 80% of all students responded that they finished the book, and it was either their favorite, better than most, or equal to all other books they had read.
99% percent love me in person, laugh a ton, and can remember the four important points!
Very interesting point: Of the seventh grade boys who said that it was their favorite book the year before, and didn't like reading, only a few still felt that way. Meaning they had gone on to read other books and enjoyed them. Hopefully, harder and more challenging works. Don't Feed the Bully is a great book and should be read in all classrooms, because the story is a great one and helps with bullying issues, but there is a world of fantastic fiction and non-fiction out there. Don't Feed the Bully is a great way to get them on that road.
Nothing proves that this program gets kids involved in their own bullying issues like their owns words. No other book and program gets the kids involved like Don't Feed the Bully. When the book is read and discussed , plus I come in to cement the concepts.
Lastly, if you're looking for ideas to work on your bullying problems: I suggest these things to get you on a track.