(adjective) Not reacting visibly to something that might be expected to produce signs of emotion or feeling; not participating readily or actively. The boy watched the fight passively, worried that the older boy would turn on him if he stood up for the target.

(noun) Freedom from disturbance or conflict. To achieve peace, we need non-violent conflict resolution.

(verb) Become aware or conscious of (something); come to realize or understand. I perceived a strong feeling in the movie, but someone else may not see it that way.

(verb) to become aware or conscious of something. The message was perceived as a threat.

(noun) A mental impression, or a way something is interpreted. Perceptions of individual races, ethnicities, or genders can sometimes lead to prejudice.

(noun) A magazine or newspaper published at regular intervals. Looking at a collection of old periodicals can help us determine trends of the past.

(noun) The state or quality of lasting or remaining unchanged forever. Because Nate had attended five different elementary schools, his childhood did not have the comfort of permanence.

(adjective) Causing harm or ruin. A pernicious lie can seriously harm a reputation.

(noun) A person who commits a harmful, illegal, or immoral act. The perpetrator had stolen a car.

1. (verb) To cause a situation to continue. If bystanders don’t intervene in bullying incidents, they can perpetuate the problem. 2. (verb) To make something last or continue. When bystanders intervene, they can stop bullying, but when they do nothing, they perpetuate the cycle of bullying.

(adjective) Spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people; usually negative. The principal found out about pervasive cheating within his school, and worked with the teachers to solve the problem.

(noun) A fact, occurrence, or circumstance observed or observable; something that is impressive or extraordinary. A tsunami is tidal wave phenomenon that can move hundreds of miles per hour in the open ocean.

(noun) When someone hits, pushes, or attacks another's body in some way causing physical pain. It also includes damaging or taking away personal belongings. After the older boy pushed the younger boy into a locker, the younger boy reported the physical bullying to his teacher.

(noun) A system of principles (rules of conduct) to guide decisions; a definite course of action. The manager decided a policy that “the customer is always right” would help his business.

a mental disorder, occurring after a traumatic event outside the range of usual human experience, and characterized by symptoms such as reliving the event, reduced involvement with others, and manifestations of autonomic arousal such as hyperalertness and exaggerated startle response.

(noun) The section of the brain behind the forehead that regulates complex cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functions. The prefrontal cortex helps us regulate our executive functions.

(noun) An opinion based on stereotypes. Bullying is often based on prejudice against a group or groups of people.

(adjective) Needing urgent attention. There was a pressing need for new textbooks in the school, which currently had half as many as required.

(adjective) Common or widespread. Socializing, creating projects, and getting information on line is more prevalent today than it was ten years ago.

(verb) Keep (something) from happening or arising. An umbrella prevents the woman’s hair from getting wet.

(noun) An artifact, document, manuscript, or other body of information created during the time being studied. The Diary of Anne Frank is a primary source of the Holocaust.

(noun) A right or benefit that is given to some people and not to others. With sure confidence of White privilege, Glenda refused to pay for her meal because she was not satisfied with the service she received.

(noun) The person responsible for the physical overall look of a filmed event. The production designer set up the props that helped tell the story of the scene.

(verb) Placing the blame for one’s own emotions onto another person. Projecting anger about family or personal life onto one’s peers can lead to bullying.

(noun) A question or topic provided as an essay or writing assignment. The teacher was careful to create essay prompts that his students could easily relate to.