`Offers those of us who interact with students an opportunity to respond with sensitivity and reflective action. Barbara Oehlberg not only identifies the issues, but also provides activities that can help us gain greater insight into the child's world and provide opportunities for empowerment and healing.'

Foreword by Susan G. ClarkPrefaceAcknowledgmentsAbout the AuthorIntroduction: Children Haven't Changed; Childhood HasGlossary: The Vocabulary of Anxiety, Stress, and TraumaPart I: Brain Changes and How They Affect Student Behaviors and Learning1. The Impact of Losses and Stress on the Student's Mind and Body Losses Stress When Traumatic Memories Are Triggered Cognitive Lockout Interventions Are Possible2. Regaining Cognitive Access: The Process of Transforming Stress and the Sense of Helplessness Transforming Perceptions of Helplessness Strengthening Self-RegulationPart II: Activities for Transforming the Helplessness Generated by Stress and Fear3. Language Arts: Creative Writing and Journaling Topics for Creative Writing and Journaling Issues of Loss and Being Lost or Invisible Issues of Rejection or Being Excluded Issues of Brokenness, Helplessness, or Futurelessness Issues of Betrayal or Broken Promises Issues of Emotional Intelligence (Dealing with Feelings) Issues of Hope, Empowerment, and Healing Debating Points and Issues Prose and Poetry Integrating Art and Creative Writing into Core Curriculum Areas Ad Campaigns Comic Books Mandalas4. Social Studies and History: Creative Topics Historical Cartoons and Storyboards Fictional Comic Books About Historical Characters Artistic Media Projects for History or Social Studies Creating Scripts for Hypothetical Radio Interviews Writing Radio Scripts for "What if ..." Programs Creating Public Service Announcements5. Character Education Internal Strengths: Emotional Intelligence A Classroom Directory of Feelings and Emotions A Feelings Mural: Addressing All Feelings A Box of Respect: Addressing Self-Acceptance, Self-Respect, and the Ability to Respect and Empathize With Others The Iceberg Project: Addressing Issues of Respect, Empathy, and Trust Letters to Hurts: Addressing Empathy, Compassion, Courage, Anger Issues, Forgiveness, and Generosity Drawing a Dream: Addressing Issues of Anger, Work Ethic, Forgiveness, and Hopelessness Facing Fears: Addressing Fears, Courage, Anger, and the Ability to Overcome Playground Charters: Addressing Issues of Leadership, Integrity, Conflict, Hopefulness, and Justice Where Are the Heroes? Issues of Emotional Honesty, Leadership, Risky Behaviors, and Choices Honoring Strengths With a Character Wall The Character Board Game Physical Strengths Internal Capacities for Self-Regulation and Stress Management Leading a Relaxation Exercise6. Building Resiliency Through Afterschool, Summer Camp, and Recreational Programming Afterschool Programs Specific Activities for Afterschool Programs Logos Collaborations for Creative Projects With Younger Children: Plays, Puppets, and Masks Designing Board Games Physical and Mental Exercises Sand Trays Clubs for a Sense of Belonging and Identity Crossword Puzzles Theater and Arts Groups or Camps Drama Scripts for Stage or Radio: Building a World Fit for Children Comedy Scripts Movement and Dance The Power of the Beat: The Rhythm of Healing Media Production Summer Camps or Activity Programs Boys and Girls Clubs, Scouting, and 4-H Section III: Schools That Work: A Sense of Safety for All7. Sustaining Enhanced Learning Environments Opportunities for Classroom Change Avoiding the Stress of Threats Alternative Responses Classroom Guidelines Restorative Discipline "Discipline That Restores" Stress Reduction Strategies for the Classroom8. School Safety Issues: Violence Prevention Generating a United Effort: Leadership and Staff Development Specific Strategies for Overall Security and Sense of Safety Throughout the School Building Strategies Specifically for Middle Schools Supports for Reentering Students Supports for New or Transferring Students Suspension and Expulsion Policies Crisis Preparation Conflict and Anger Management Violence Prevention Strategies Early Prevention Bullying Inclusion Restorative Justice9. Meaningful Change in the U.S. Education System Initiating Change from the Ground Up Generating SupportResource A: Crossword PuzzlesResource B: Answers to the Crossword PuzzlesReferencesIndex