SYMBOLS
The eight “Breaking the Code” skits contain powerful examples of bullying. The
words trigger in the audience emotional reactions to realistic incidents. Included
in the presentation materials are eight icons, or symbols of various emotions.
These icons are available as “clip on” cards to be added to an character’s
lanyard when appropriate in each skit. The icons depict: power, blindly following,
mature, stinky, happy, striving for balance, sad and angry.
For example, if “queen bee” Felicia gathers followers in the hallway, a
(major power symbol) is clipped to her lanyard to label her actions. When an
character commits a mean bullying action, a
symbol is given, calling attention to the negative action. This physical
addition of a symbol achieves several purposes. It calls attention to the action
(whether negative or positive), and also helps youth to remember the example.
At times the awarding of a symbol can break the tension created by the intensity
of emotions, and adds a little levity to the very serious content being addressed
in the scenario.
Prior to the skit taking place, the audience is given a half-page handout like the
one pictured to familiarize them with the symbols used. The template for these
handouts is on the CD in your kit.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences
United States Department of Agriculture  Local Extension Councils Cooperating