A friend of a friend in college took French.  He said the only thing he could remember after listening to weeks of those helpful English/French tapes was "Fin du registrement-----end of tape".  I am sad to say that is what I know best in French as well, now.  So, as we spend the last three days of our European vacation in Paris, I am searching for a way to use that critical piece of knowledge.  When do you need to say "End of tape"? 

My husband and I are having a wonderful time on our 20th anniversary trip through England, Germany, and France.  There are, however, differences in communication even more inherent when there is a language difference.  For example, in a town in Germany, my husband wanted to sit and have a drink.  I sat down with him but wasn't thirsty.  The waitress shooed me away, no other way to say it.  She finally got across "We pay too high a rent for you to sit here if you don't order something."  I brushed it off and made the best of it, walking around the charming square while my husband finished his drink.  I couldn't help but wonder, however, who else she thought would sit in the seat at the table next to my husband.  Whose important spot was I taking up?  Disagreements or miscommunications like this can get us wrapped around the axle if we are in our own country, but somehow it is a bit easier to recognize "That's just how they do things here" when we are visiting another country or culture.  Besides, what am I going to gain by arguing with the waitress? 

After watching the video assigned, what was your reaction? What stood out as significant information to you? Let's talk about it!

I'm reading some very interesting things so far.  First of all, I wonder what folks think about the practice of making students apologize to one another.  Does it foster sincere feelings?  
Also, one of the common themes is the frustration we feel as educators in helping students feel we really are taking their concerns seriously.  We want to be heard--- we want our students to feel heard as well.  
Another "theme" I am seeing is that you have many experiences with students who say "We were just joking around" when asked about bullying behavior.  What can we do to make students more aware of their own impact on others if, indeed, they really are just joking?
I appreciate so much the comments so far.  Keep them coming!!  The only way to Banish Bullying is to face it head-on!!