Creating Schools that Heal

Book excerpt: In a world where children are beset by violence and stress, Lesley Koplow provides educators with clear, level-headed advice on how to integrate preventive mental health practice into public schools (preschool through grade 5). Koplow, a psychotherapist, discusses the mandate for violence prevention and offers an intervention framework for teachers, administrators, and school-based clinicians who want to improve the emotional climate in their school. The book includes a chapter addressing what we've learned from the recent tragic events of September 11th in New York City. Suggested Interview Questions: 1. What can we use in the classroom to help students who are still concerned about the events of September 11? 2. Are there practices that are used in schools that can be integrated into the student's home life as well? 3. What are the major emotional problems that children in our schools have today and how can teachers help?