A story to help students manage themselves when others are calling them names or saying things that are not nice, rather than hitting out.

2. THE SMART FISH
This is the story of a fisherman who goes to the same spot every day to fish. He
has been very successful in this spot and always catches a fish with the bait he
uses.

3. One day, the fish began to think about what was
happening. At first, they wanted to bite the fisherman
and hurt him like he was hurting them. But they
realized that in order to do that, they would have to let
him catch them. That would not be good. They then
looked more closely at the bait and saw a hook hidden
in it.

4. "We must swim past the bait or surely we will be
caught," the fish decided.

5. So when the fisherman dropped his baited line into
the water as usual the next day, none of the fish
would bite. This was very confusing to the
fisherman! How could he be unable to catch a fish
today when the same bait had always worked
before?

6. The next day, the fisherman was determined to catch
a fish so he put twice as much bait on the line. This
was very tempting to the little fish, who thought this
must be a feast. But just before biting into the tasty
treat, they remembered about the hook and swam on
by. Now the fisherman was really concerned! "What
is going on here?" he wanted to know.

7. The next day, the fisherman was more determined than
ever to catch a fish. He put three times as much bait on
the line. But the little fish were very smart and knew that
the fisherman was only trying to catch them and eat
them for dinner. They swam right by that beautiful bait.

8. The fisherman began to realize that the fish were onto his
game and that he would have no more luck at that fishing
hole. So he packed up his rod and reel and moved to a new
fishing spot. The little fish were not bothered by him
again.

9. When kids in class or out in the playground tease and
say mean things, they are trying to upset you and
make you do something that will get you into trouble.
They are being the fisherman.
Sometimes the bait they use is very tempting. They
may say or do things that are not nice. It is important
that you realize that these things are not true and are
not meant to be true. Just as the bait that the
fisherman put on his line was not a true dinner for
the little fish and was not meant to be.

10. When we give in to the anger we feel and say
mean things back or hit or get in someone’s
face, the fisherman has won. We have been
caught!

11. Only by being a smart fish and ignoring the bait can we
escape the hook. When we first begin to ignore the mean
words, the other kids are confused and are usually more
determined to get us going. They will add more bait to
the line. They will try even harder to catch us. But if we
keep on ignoring the words, they will become tired, like
the fisherman, and move on to a new person to bother.
They may even stop fishing altogether!

12. How can we deal with baiting?
Act like a brick wall
Become a brick wall, students can
push you, but if you act like a brick
wall, and do not budge, they will not
get what they want.

13. Remember that it takes two
to play, if you don't join in,
they will move on.

14. Remember the truth,
good feelings will protect
you.

15. Use the wheel of
choice

16. Graphics and Credits
Idea from: http://thecreativecounselor.blogspot.co.nz/2012/03/dont-be-
caught-being-angry-be-smart.html
Story from http://www.counselorsroom.com/SC_Home.php
Slide 2:
http://www.clipartheaven.com/show/clipart/outdoor_recreation/fishing/fi
shing_20-gif.html
Slide 3 : http://www.lindaswebmall.com/
Slide 8: http://www.campgroundsigns.com/Fishing-Sign/No-Fishing-
Sign/SKU-K-5336.aspx
Side 11: http://www.humorgraphics.com/html/Steck-Vaughn.html