Originally published under the title: Safe & caring schools. Grades 6-8, c2008.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 195-197) and index.

"Hundreds of user-friendly lesson plans help teachers build attitudes of respect and caring, reduce problem behaviors, empower students to solve problems, and educate the whole child socially, emotionally, and academically. The lessons' literature-based connections allow teachers to "build in" rather than "add on" social-emotional learning (SEL) as part of the daily curriculum. Each resource guide offers: - Monthly themes focused on emotions, empathy, relationships, conflict resolution, bullying prevention, problem solving, decision making, teamwork, and self-esteem - Literature-based lessons with curriculum integrations for using the lessons as part of language arts, social studies, science, math, art, and music - Easy-to-implement lesson formats for all activities: Read, Discuss, Do, Relate - Built-in assessments - Reproducible activity handouts in the book and on CD-ROM Field-tested in classrooms across the United States, these activities when fully implemented have resulted in improved school climate, greater parent engagement, increased academic achievement, and reduction in discipline referrals. The Activities for Building Character and Social-Emotional Learning resource guides are essential teaching tools for all preK-8 teachers"--