In preschool, children encounter their first experiences in forming and joining social groups outside their family. It is natural for them to experiment with social interactions while learning about their world. In this guide, teasing and bullying are addressed as a continuum of intentionally hurtful behavior, from making fun of someone to repetitive physical abuse. Creating a caring environment at the beginning of school reduces the need for children to assert themselves through negative behavior such as teasing and bullying. With The Anti-Bullying and Teasing Book, teachers of young children can address this behavior before it develops.

Special features of this book: 

• Information on family-school partnerships to engage families in the development of a caring community and to reinforce teachings about empathy and mutual respect.
• Techniques to teach children how to think about and manage their feelings in a safe and appropriate way.
• Tips for teaching children how to act appropriately as a "bystander." Children who stand by while a friend is being teased and bullied may be uneasy or even scared that they might be next. They feel powerless and learn negative ways to interact with others. Teachers have the opportunity to work with bystanders, helping them to develop the confidence to stand up for a friend. As a result, children will become more able to stand up for themselves and not tolerate teasing and bullying behavior.