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

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

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.