Compassionate Classroom

This inspiring guidebook supports teachers seeking to provide a nurturing and creative classroom environment for elementary students. Lessons supply instruction for creating a community of reverence, self-awareness, and mindfulness. Each entry features a concise lesson plan ready for implementation, as well as a brief summary of the interfaith and secular philosophies that underpin the lesson. Specific tips for teaching nonviolent skill sets are provided, including expressing feelings honestly without judging or criticizing, making clear requests of others, and listening empathetically. Educators are assisted in building connections among diverse populations, cultivating self-awareness, and rewarding reflective thinking. Handouts and sample writings offer inspirational models for students to explore identity and spirituality.