Create a Culture of Kindness in Middle School: 48 Character-Building Lessons to Foster Respect and Prevent Bullying - Paperback

by Naomi Drew (Author), Christa Tinari (Author)

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.

Author Biography

Naomi Drew, M.A., is an expert on conflict resolution and peacemaking. Her work has been instrumental in introducing the skills of peacemaking to public education and has been recognized by educational leaders throughout the United States and Canada. Naomi is also a dynamic and inspiring speaker. She serves as a consultant to school districts, parent groups, and civic organizations and is a registered provider with the New Jersey State Department of Education Character Education Network. She lives in New Jersey.

Christa M. Tinari, M.A., is passionate about the power of education to bring justice and peace to our classrooms, neighborhoods, and beyond. She believes that in order to shape and nurture the whole child, education must inspire hearts as much as expand minds. Christa is a presenter at major international and national conferences and consults with schools across the United States. She is an adjunct instructor at colleges of education where she teaches educators-in-training, is an expert in social-emotional learning and bullying prevention, and is the founder and director of PeacePraxis Educational Services. She lives in Pennsylvania.