TJ Zaps the Freeze Out: Stopping the Silent Treatment (TJ Trapper, Bully Zapper) (Tj Trapper Bully Zapper, 3)
#3 in Tj Trapper Bully Zapper Series
What’s inside...
When Livvy chooses a goldfish as the class pet, she faces backlash from some classmates, led by Ethan, who decide to freeze her out. TJ, her friend, is caught in a dilemma between supporting Livvy and risking being ostracized himself, or finding a way to stop the bullying behavior. With the help of his dad, a school counselor, TJ learns tips to become a 'bully zapper' and takes on a mission to rid his school of bullying behaviors. Through the series of events, the story highlights issues of bullying and provides educational content on how to address it, along with engaging black-and-white illustrations to attract young readers.
Discussion points
How did TJ feel when he was given the silent treatment, and what are some ways he tried to handle it?
Why do you think people sometimes use the silent treatment as a way to deal with problems?
What could be some better ways to communicate when we're feeling upset?
Can you think of a time when you felt like someone wasn't listening to you? How did you handle it?
How did TJ’s friends support him, and why is it important to have friends who support us?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing a personal story where you experienced or witnessed the 'silent treatment' to make the conversation relatable.
Praise your child for expressing their thoughts and feelings. Remember, validating their feelings encourages open communication.
Ask your child to suggest alternative ways they could handle similar situations, fostering problem-solving skills.
Discuss the importance of empathy by asking how they think TJ felt, and how they would feel in a similar situation.
Encourage your child to think about what it means to be a good friend and how they can support their friends like TJ’s friends did.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: TJ learns to understand the feelings of others who are given the silent treatment and begins to empathize with their isolation.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by recognizing when their peers feel left out and taking steps to include them.
Example Lesson: Conflict resolution
Explanation: Through the story, TJ demonstrates how to approach and resolve conflicts without aggression, focusing on communication.
Real-World Application: Kids can use these strategies to handle schoolyard disputes or disagreements with siblings effectively.
Example Lesson: Importance of seeking help
Explanation: TJ seeks advice from adults and friends to stop the bullying behavior, showing the importance of seeking help when needed.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that asking for help from teachers or parents is a strength, not a weakness, especially in difficult situations.
Example Lesson: Stand against bullying
Explanation: TJ actively stands up against the bullying tactic of the silent treatment, setting a positive example.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to take action against any form of bullying they witness, promoting a supportive environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: TJ demonstrates resilience in facing challenges and not giving up when trying to create a friendlier environment at school.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the value of perseverance in overcoming social challenges and improving their community.