Schools and libraries can make a difference by teaching kids how to identify and cope with emotions, how to communicate with confidence and empathy, and how to persevere even when things are difficult.

The authors of this helpful text define transformative social-emotional learning and its impact on students and schools. They present current brain research to support social-emotional programming in a whole school program with collaborative lesson ideas adaptable to all age levels for the use of counselors, librarians, administrators, classroom teachers, and all special area teachers. All lessons provide lists of extended student and faculty readings.

Illustrating and highlighting how social-emotional programming helps foster and transform the culture of a school to one of belonging and acceptance, the authors also provide necessary application lessons for all educators in all areas of a school, including ideas for such common areas as playgrounds, cafeterias, classrooms, and libraries, and even ideas for implementation by school administrators.

Research cited predicts desired outcomes, including a culture of belonging, increased student engagement and achievement, and a more compassionate school staff. Ideas and activities provided for professional development for educators benefit students and staff alike.