Getting Beyond Bullying and Exclusion, PreK-5
Empowering Children in Inclusive Classrooms
- Ronald Mah - Independent Consultant and Trainer
When children, especially those with challenges, are not sufficiently understood and supported, they suffer intense frustration that contributes to social and academic failures. This book focuses on the vulnerabilities of youngsters to be bullied, especially those with learning disabilities, attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD), Aspergers Syndrome, and gifted abilities. Getting Beyond Bullying and Exclusion, PreK-5 explains the victim dynamic, including how otherwise well-meaning adults can inadvertently facilitate development of victim personalities in children or unintentionally contribute to the development of bully personalities. The book also describes:
- Bullying styles, including classic male models of domination and intimidation, and the relational bullying that is more characteristic of females
- How some children, especially those with challenges, may be more likely to bully others to compensate for low self-esteem
- How children with Aspergers Syndrome or gifted abilities and those who may enjoy greater popularity, can develop a sense of arrogance and superiority that leads to intellectual bullying, including cyber-bullying
- Methods for intervening early before a negative dynamic progresses into middle or high school and affecting change becomes more difficult
“This is the first text I've read that connected specific disabilities to bullying. The material is informative, relevant, and thought-provoking. A useful tool in understanding the evolution of a bully and the necessity of early, appropriate intervention.”
“What wonderful insight Mah has into the workings of classrooms. This book applies to all children. This is a valuable read for both parents and teachers. I have been in education for over thirty years and found this book very beneficial. I loved the 90-Second-a-Day Self-Esteem Prescription Plan. Thank you!”
"I have been a therapist working primarily with children for more than 20 years, and I'm grateful to see issues about bullying given serious attention. The subtle and often devastating effects of children’s abusive behavior to one another can have enormous ramifications, yet for too long even professional adults have dismissed much of this behavior as being 'normal.' I am glad to see the research and detail that has gone into this book. All bullying needs to be monitored and addressed so children are able to see how their behavior affects others, learn new strategies to interact with peers, and get their needs met in healthier ways.”
“An honest and thought-provoking discussion exploring ways we can teach and support children to help them develop into capable learners and caring humans. Mah provides straight talk on how inclusion provides benefits but also many hurdles. To be truly inclusive, we have to recognize differences rather than ignore them, while teaching our students to develop better problem-solving and coping skills through strong adult support and reframing their experiences. Whether the victim or bully, all students need a better adult-supported framework for learning to work with their peers."
Sample Materials & Chapters
Mah_Getting Beyond Bullying_Introduction
Mah_Getting Beyond Bullying_Chapter 1