Foreword About the Authors Acknowledgments INTRODUCTION Why Teach Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) in the Classroom? What Are the Thrive Skills? Taking This Book to the Next Level (Thrive Website) Thriving Together CHAPTER 1. MINDFULNESS IN THE CLASSROOM: SLOWING DOWN TO SPEED UP SUCCESS Why Don't They Just Pay Attention? Mindfulness: What It Is and What It Is Not Using Mindfulness in the Classroom Beginning a Mindfulness Practice Research on Mindfulness in the Classroom Implementation in the Classroom What Supporting Mindfulness Looks Like in the Classroom Frequently Asked Questions Discussion Questions and Exercises Thrive Skills in Action CHAPTER 2. HELPING STUDENTS WITH THEIR COMMAND AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS Executive Function: What Is It? The Six Skills of Executive Functioning EF Skill 1: Self-Regulation and Self-Control EF Skill 2: Working Memory EF Skill 3: Task Initiation, Organization, and Time Management EF Skill 4: Flexibility EF Skill 5: Emotional Regulation EF Skill 6: Focus What Supporting Executive Function Looks Like in the Classroom Frequently Asked Questions Discussion Questions and Exercises Thrive Skills in Action CHAPTER 3. CREATING STUDENT AGENCY THROUGH SELF-EFFICACY AND GROWTH MINDSET Self-Efficacy: What Is It? Self-Efficacy: What Is It Not? (Learned Helplessness) Aim for the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) Students' Beliefs About Success (Attribution Theory) Growth vs. Fixed Mindsets How Do We Help Students Develop Growth Mindsets? What Supporting Self-Efficacy and Growth Mindset Looks Like in the Classroom Frequently Asked Questions Discussion Questions and Exercises Thrive Skills in Action CHAPTER 4. PERSEVERANCE: PUSHING THROUGH DESPITE THE SETBACKS Quit Now or Finish? What Makes the Difference? Perseverance: What It Is and What It Is Not What Educators Need to Know About Perseverance What Does Perseverance Look Like in the Classroom? What Supporting Perseverance Looks Like in the Classroom Frequently Asked Questions Discussion Questions and Exercises Thrive Skills in Action CHAPTER 5. BOUNCING BACK: TEACHING KIDS ABOUT RESILIENCE Resilience: What Is It? Acknowledge the Struggle Normalize the Struggle The Classroom as the Tribe Resiliency in Boys Developing Resiliency Through Competency Building Hope What Supporting Resilience Looks Like in the Classroom Frequently Asked Questions Discussion Questions and Exercises Thrive Skills in Action CHAPTER 6. BUILDING A CULTURE OF RESPONSIBILITY IN THE CLASSROOM Give Kids a Chance to Act Responsibly Teaching Responsibility in an Entitled Society Using Accountability to Promote Responsibility Building a Culture of Responsibility Teachers as Models of Responsibility How Do We Reinforce Responsibility? What Supporting Responsibility Looks Like in the Classroom Frequently Asked Questions Discussion Questions and Exercises Thrive Skills in Action CHAPTER 7. CULTIVATING HONESTY AND INTEGRITY IN STUDENT CHOICES How Do We Teach Personal Integrity? How Do We Teach Academic Integrity? What Do We Do When Children Cheat? The Restorative Justice Approach The Courage to Take a Stand What Supporting Honesty and Integrity Looks Like in the Classroom Frequently Asked Questions Discussion Questions and Exercises Thrive Skills in Action CHAPTER 8. TAPPING INTO EMPATHY Empathy: What Is It? Does Everyone Have Empathy? What Does Empathy Look Like in Action? Why Is It Important to Teach About Empathy? Modeling Empathy in the Classroom Service Learning Projects Integrating Empathy Into the Curriculum The Power of Empathy What Supporting Empathy Looks Like in the Classroom Frequently Asked Questions Discussion Questions and Exercises Thrive Skills in Action CHAPTER 9. IT'S ALL ABOUT GRATITUDE "Pay It Forward" Is Still Thriving Gratitude: What Is It? What Research Tells Us About Gratitude Why We Should Teach Gratitude in the Classroom How Do We Teach Gratitude in the Classroom? What Supporting Gratitude Looks Like in the Classroom Frequently Asked Questions Discussion Questions and Exercises Thrive Skills in Action Final Words References Index
Debbie Silver is a very well known and regarded author and speaker whose new work will be in demand. Teaching Kids to Thrive explores the key elements of learning that go far beyond subject matter knowledge and academic skill measurement. The book covers what it takes to help students --all students-- move beyond merely coping and surviving. The authors aim to teach students how to thrive and how to navigate successfully whatever the future holds for them. The authors explore teaching social-emotional learning (SEL) skills as dispositions toward lifelong success. After reading this book, teachers will be more able to: Use mindfulness strategies Help students build upon their existing ability to self-regulate and motivate themselves. Guide students in developing their growth mindsets Cultivate an attitude and culture of perseverance in the classroom. Incorporate resilience practices into everyday lesson planning and interactions. Help students internalize how they can be responsible students and citizens. Demonstrate how honesty and integrity can help build stronger relationships and foster a community of support and empathy Use the strategies, tips, guidelines, stories, reflections, and inspiration from this book to ensure that students excel not only in their academic skills, but also in their Thrive skills, which lay the foundation for a healthy, whole, centered, and grounded young adulthood.
Dr. Debbie Silver is a humorist, consultant, and retired educator with over thirty years of experience as a classroom teacher, staff development facilitator, and university professor. As a classroom teacher, Debbie won numerous awards, including the 1990 Louisiana Teacher of the Year award. She speaks worldwide on issues involving education and is a passionate advocate for students and teachers. Debbie wrote the best-selling books, Drumming to the Beat of Different Marchers and Fall Down 7 Times, Get Up 8. She co-wrote the best-selling Teaching Kids to Thrive. In 1990, Debbie Pace and Lawrence Silver merged their families of 3 boys (Debbie) and 2 boys (Lawrence) as they married and eventually both earned their doctorate degrees (to form a "pair-a-docs"). They currently reside in Melissa, TX. One of the nation's most popular keynote speakers and professional development presenters, Debbie has given presentations around the world (including 49 states [Hey, Delaware, let's talk!], Canada, Mexico, Europe, the Middle East, Australia, Africa, and Asia), helping audiences to interact with students on a more meaningful level. While inspiring educators to enjoy the job they once loved, she reminds them of how important they are in the lives of children, their families, and the world. Through her writing and her speaking she makes essential points while sharing poignant stories and lots of laughs. Dedra Stafford is a dedicated consultant and a proud member of the Association of Middle Level Education and National Association of Secondary School Principals Speakers Cadres. She is an Educational Speaker and has presented at international, national, state, and local conferences across the nation including NMSA (National Middle School Association) sharing inspirational ideas, from technology to school climate. Dedra is passionate about providing quality staff development for educators. She an internationally known speaker, trainer and author in the educational world. Dedra creates entertaining workshops that get crowds energized, motivated, and inspired to be their 'best' for the students they serve. As a former classroom teacher, she understands the need for professional development where practical ideas can be implemented immediately into the classroom. She creates fun-filled workshops designed to be hands-on and interactive. Dedra has a unique ability to put educators at ease as she teaches concepts and beliefs incorporated with humor in a user friendly way. She speaks on the topics of about technology, climate, curriculum, and classroom techniques resulting in her audience laughing, learning, and having new enthusiasm for their work.