Description

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Practical, research-based lessons for middle school educators to teach students pro-social attitudes and behaviors to prevent bullying.

Create a Culture of Kindness in Middle School focuses on positive and pro-social attitudes and behaviors that build a respectful and compassionate school environment, while also addressing the tough issues of prejudice, anger, exclusion, and bullying. Through role-playing, perspective-taking, sharing, writing, discussion, and more, students develop the insights and skills they need to accept differences, resolve conflicts peacefully, stop bullying among peers, and create a community of kindness in their classrooms and school. Based on survey data gathered by the authors from more than 1,000 students, the book’s research-based lessons are easy to implement and developmentally appropriate. Digital content includes student handouts from the book.

About the Author

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Naomi Drew, M.A., is the award-winning author of eight books.

She is recognized around the world for her work in conflict resolution, peacemaking, and anti-bullying. Her work has been instrumental in introducing the skills of peacemaking into public education and has been recognized by educational leaders throughout the world.

United Nations staffer Michiko Kuroda praised her work, saying, “Naomi Drew has adapted the techniques of negotiation to the needs of children.” She has been called a “master teacher and pathfinder in our culture.” Her work has been featured in magazines and newspapers, and on radio and national TV, including NBC, The New York Times, Time magazine, and Parents magazine.

She has also served as a peaceful parenting expert for Classroom Close-up, an Emmy-winning public television show. Naomi is a dynamic speaker who has inspired audiences far and wide. She has served as a consultant to school districts, parent groups, and civic organizations and headed up the New Jersey State Bar Foundation’s Conflict Resolution Advisory Panel for nine years, training K–12 trainers to develop more harmonious schools.

Her work is rooted in a deep desire to create a more peaceful future for all people, her own two sons being the genesis of this desire. Imprinted on her brain are Gandhi’s words: “If we are to reach real peace in the world . . . we shall have to begin with children.”

Christa M. Tinari, M.A., is a nationally recognized speaker, trainer, and peacebuilder. She provides educational consulting on bullying prevention, social-emotional learning, and school climate improvement, to schools and organizations across the country.

Christa is creator of The Feel & Deal Activity Deck, an empathy-building tool for children used on six continents. She frequently presents at conferences such as AMLE, ASCD, and the International Bullying Prevention Association. Christa passionately believes in the power of education to inspire hearts and expand minds.

She lives in Pennsylvania.

Praise For…

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“A blueprint for teaching specific skills that promote empathy and support a compassionate school environment.”
— Professional Shelf, School Library Journal

“An easy read that can be used as a roadmap for schools developing a character-building curriculum to cultivate positive relationships with students and staff, leading to a culture of kindness and empathy.”
— School Administrator magazine

“This book is exactly what educators need, now more than ever: A blueprint for providing kids with the skills not only to prevent bullying, but to fundamentally change their schools and their world. With Create a Culture of Kindness in Middle School, Naomi Drew and Christa Tinari have added a timely and valuable resource to the literature on empathy, respect, school climate, and bullying prevention.”
— Michele Borba, Ed.D., author of End Peer Cruelty, Build Empathy

“Create a Culture of Kindness in Middle School is the single most impactful book I’ve seen on transforming a culture of bullying into one that reliably promotes kindness. It is essential reading for every middle school educator and for every parent of a middle school student. It takes intention, courage, and powerful protocols to create a school culture that empowers students to flourish, both emotionally and academically. Naomi Drew and Christa Tinari deliver the goods in this practical, wise, and inspiring guide.”
— Marilee Adams, Ph.D., best-selling author of Teaching That Changes Lives: 12 Mindset Tools for Igniting the Love of Learning

“Create a Culture of Kindness in Middle School brilliantly covers all the bases, with a hands-on approach to building important skills like compassion, empathy, listening, anger management, coping tools, personal responsibility, and respect for diversity. This timely and important manual includes practical activities, questions, and resources to engage students and help them recognize their interconnectedness, their capacity to change deeply held beliefs, and the potential they each have to make a difference—all while helping to preserve civility, respect, and common decency in our world.”
— Jane Bluestein, Ph.D., author of Creating Emotionally Safe Schools and The Win-Win Classroom

“Create a Culture of Kindness begins as if you are having a conversation with the wisest and most supportive teachers you have ever spoken to. This is worth the price alone, but you will soon see that the lessons also reflect wisdom and deep respect for children’s competence and potential. This book gives you the tools needed to create an organized, respectful classroom filled with students who are more mindful and therefore more ready to engage in learning and positive relationships. Its lessons on compassion, in particular, should be mandatory in every middle school.”
— Maurice J. Elias, Ph.D., Rutgers University and author of Assessing Social, Emotional, and Character Development and Emotionally Intelligent Parenting