Children aren't empty vessels into which teachers simply pour facts. Children come to the classroom with feelings, concerns, anxieties, and joys. Many children today are at risk. (1/6)

Many come to school sad, angry, and deeply upset, having witnessed domestic violence or suffered some form of child abuse.

Life holds few easy answers, but one thing is sure -- it's through relationships that children grow best and learn best. (2/6)

In fact, most formal studies of at-risk children show that what most helps make them resilient is having someone who cares about them. For our most troubled children, the teacher probably is the only truly nurturing person in their lives.
(3/6)

Teachers give their students life-long lessons when they help them discover what they can do when they're going through hard times...things that won't hurt themselves or anyone else.
(4/6)

Children need to know that putting their feelings into words, whether by talking with a caring listener or by writing journals or poetry, really can help. They need to know that painting, drawing, listening to music, or playing an instrument also can help.
(5/6)

We all must find our own ways of coping with life's stresses. Helping children begin to do that will serve them their whole lives. (6/6)