We Did It. · Featured version
We shortened the wipe-away story to a 10-minute circle, used fewer doodle faces, and invited caregivers to join the closing share.
- K-6
- School
- library
- EC (upper band)
- home
- Medium
- SEL
Documented for Ohio: SEL, anti-bullying.
What it is
A Bully Doodle tries to steal another Doodle's color (happiness) to fill its own 'sad spots' - it never works, it only makes the sad spots bigger. Kids color both Doodles with happiness, watch bullying erase it, and discuss what to do. The flagship anti-bullying experience.
Source: Wipe-Away Bullying - DoodleFace Parade Activity
- Time30-40 minutes
- Setupa little setup
What you need
- Two Doodles on their bases (borrow another classroom's Doodle or use a Take-Home Doodle)
- Dry-erase crayons
- A damp paper towel or eraser cloth
Steps
Color both Doodles with happiness
Color the two Doodles with "happiness" — it can be colors, pictures, and/or words. Admire the finished Doodles and feel the happiness.
Create the sad spots
With the damp cloth, wipe away a few spots of color on each Doodle. As you wipe each spot, talk about something that hurt that Doodle and caused it — insecurity, jealousy, anger, fear, or sadness. Give one Doodle more sad spots than the other. Explain that we all have sad spots — no one is full of color. It's what we do about them that matters.
Let the bullying begin
The Doodle with the most sad spots has an idea: can it take color (happiness) from the other Doodle to fill its own spots? Ask the class if they think that's a good idea. The Doodle tries anyway — with each mean comment ("your coloring is stupid," "no one likes you"), erase a spot of the other Doodle's color. Then show the class the cloth: the stolen color isn't bright and happy anymore — it's a brown mix. When the Bully Doodle tries to put the stolen color on itself, it only erases more of its own color and makes more sad spots.
Talk about what just happened
Bullies try to steal others' color (happiness) to fill their sad spots. It never works; it just makes their sad spots bigger.
Deal with the bully
Next time someone bullies you, picture their sad spots and don't let them erase your happy colors. Don't say something mean back — it only makes them want more of your color. Let them know the behavior isn't okay. Try coloring their sad spots with happiness: be kind, be funny, say something nice. Have the Doodles try these strategies while the class helps act them out. And if coloring their sad spots doesn't work — ask for help: talk to friends, family, or a teacher.
Tips
- For older kids, go deeper into why someone might bully: insecurity, past trauma, wanting control or status, revenge, jealousy — it deepens the sad-spots picture without excusing the behavior.
- Extensions from the document, if you want them on the page: a schoolwide Compliments Day, or "Doodles on parade" outside each classroom with sad spots for other classes to fill with happy colors and compliments through the day.
What it supports
Research it’s built on
Evidence note: The Bowen & Kisida (2019) findings apply to grades 3-8; for younger grades this activity rests on the anti-bullying review evidence (CPSTF 2022) and cooperative-play research (Garaigordobil).
Compliance determinations are always the district’s or institution’s.
Your turn!
Did you run this one?
Share how it went — photos or video, a twist, or what you’d change. Reviewed before it goes public.
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Tips & Notes
Print the faces on cardstock — they survive more wipe-aways before you need a new set.
Thinking about it? Start with the guide.
it’s ridiculously fun, impactful and easy