Includes bibliographical references (p.136-148) and index.

What Teachers Need to Know about Social and Emotional Development provides practical classroom strategies that teachers can apply in a variety of contexts to support complex and diverse student needs. Drawing on the authentic voice and experience of teachers, students and parents, this erudite book is steeped in the latest research. It includes key indicators that children may exhibit if suffering from depression, anxiety, eating disorders and other serious conditions. It also offers a swathe of practical advice, classroom activities, poster ideas and newsletter items to assist students, and inform parents of their children's changing needs.

[Ages] 5 to 12: the big picture. What's happening: ages, stages, and milestones. The importance of social and emotional health ; An overview of social and emotional development -- The new world of childhood. Being a child today -- The social and emotional world of children. The role of the family ; The role of friends and peers ; The role of teachers, school climate, culture and environment -- Foundations of emotional development. Recognising, naming and understanding feelings ; Managing and expressing feelings ; Self-concept ; Self-esteem -- Building blocks of emotional health. Optimism: positive thinking and self-talk ; Building resilience -- Helping children handle negative emotions. Validating 'uncomfortable' feelings ; Fear and anxiety ; Grief, loss and sadness ; Attention seeking ; Impatience and impulsivity -- Social skills to build strong relationships. Empathy ; Emotional intelligence ; Communication ; Charm and manners ; Sense of humour ; Physical wellbeing -- Social skills to get along with others. Making friends ; Let's play ; Handling conflict constructively ; Teamwork ; Winning, losing and moving on ; Accepting rules, authority and relating to adults -- Social skills to build inner strength. Independence ; Responsibility ; Problem solving, decision making and accepting consequences ; Sense of right and wrong -- Facing the tough stuff head-on. Bullies and victims ; Angry and aggressive children ; Special kids -- Head and heart matters. Depression ; Body image and eating disorders ; Prickly kids ; Prickly parents.