[Donut Bully] "Words and Scars" Workshop: Helping students plant seeds of kindness through thoughtful words

An unintended joke may be quickly forgotten by the speaker, yet accidentally leave deep emotional scars on the listener. As part of the "Donut Bully" anti-bullying campaign, the "Words and Scars" workshop was organized by the School Psychology Department specifically for Grade 1 - 3 students.

Led by Ms. Pham Huong Thu, a counselor from the School Psychology Department, students actively engaged in fun interactive exercises. Through these activities, they recognized the weight of their words, learned how to soothe negative emotions when upset, and developed the habit of choosing positive words and actions toward their peers.

"My Heart" – Understanding the Weight of Words: In the opening segment, students shared hurtful words they had experienced in the past. For each sentence mentioned, a temporary stamp was placed on their hand. Even after being wiped away, a faint ink trace remained on the skin. Through this visual exercise, students realized that a stamp is like an apology - even when offered, it can rarely erase emotional scars completely.

"When My Heart Hurts" – Techniques for Emotional Soothing: Learning to cope with hurt is an essential skill that prevents young children from panicking or acting out negatively. Through a playful "flower and candle breathing" exercise - inhaling deeply as if smelling a flower and exhaling gently as if blowing out a candle - students were guided on regulating their breathing to regain composure whenever feeling upset.

"Good Deeds Need Good Words" – Practicing Positive Behavior: To reinforce healthy communication habits, students participated in a card-sorting game to categorize various statements and actions into "Do's" and "Don'ts." Role-playing exercises based on hypothetical scenarios allowed students to practice standing up for themselves and offering timely support to classmates.

The "Words and Scars" workshop provided Grade 1–3 students with essential preventive measures and social-emotional skills to respond effectively to bullying. It serves as a vital foundation for young learners to sow seeds of kindness, building a safe and happy school environment.