Peer mediation programs offer schools an alternative to traditional disciplinary practices and help schools become safer places. The goal of peer mediation is to reduce conflict and provide children with problem-solving skills.

The following quotes may be used in a variety of ways by both teachers and counselors. One idea is for a thought to be posted, read, and discussed at the beginning of each week. It could then be read daily with the students. At the end of the week ask them what they learned or how the thought applied to their lives or activities during the week. Have the children give written or oral examples, or have them draw a picture to illustrate their ideas.

Schools have an opportunity to enhance children’s social and emotional growth, as well as their academic knowledge. These activities foster self-understanding, positive peer interaction, initiative, and learning.

There are many reasons why parents are not active in their children’s school life. Here are are some of the actions school officials can take to increase parent involvement.

School professionals are often blamed for the ills of society. Yet, there are countless administrators, teachers and counselors who challenge and inspire students to do their best and strive for excellence. This list offers ideas educators may want to consider as they continue their work.

Know the causes, symptoms and treatment of this important health and potentially deadly medical problem, one which affects males as well as females.

A list of activities that are enjoyable and foster self-understanding and friendships among children, and will help children feel bonded to each other and to their teacher or group leader.

Without self-control, students say and do things impulsively which often leads to trouble. Children need to be taught to pause and think of the consequences that may result from their various behaviors.

Girls usually differ from boys in the type of aggressive behavior they exhibit. While boys tend to inflict bodily pain, girls most often, though not exclusively, engage in covert or relational aggression. Girls tend to value intimate relationships with girls, while boys usually form social bonds through group activities. Aggressive girls often gain power by withholding their friendship or by sabotaging the relationships of others.

With childhood obesity on the rise for both boys and girls, this children’s health problem should be of concern to educators. According to the United States Surgeon General’s report in 1999, 13% of children ages 6 to 11 years and 14% of adolescents ages 12 to 19 years in the United States were overweight. This percentage has more than doubled in the last twenty years….