Getting Beyond Bullying and Exclusion, PreK-5

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 femalesHowásome children, especially those with challenges, may be more likely to bully others to compensate for low self-esteemHow children with Aspergers Syndrome orágifted 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

Ronald Mah, an educator and licensed marriage and family therapist, has worked in early childhood education for 16 years. A credentialed elementary and secondary teacher, he is the author of Difficult Behavior in Early Childhood and The One-Minute Temper Tantrum Solution (2006 and 2008, Corwin Press). He wrote the Asian Pacific Islander Parent Education Support curriculum (DHS-San Francisco, 1996). Mah has DVDs on child development and behavior (Fixed Earth Films), and has been involved in community and high school mental health clinics, severe emotional disturbance, at-risk youth, welfare-to-work, and Head Start programs. A graduate college instructor and Board of Directors member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists and of the California Kindergarten Association, Mah combines concepts, principles, and philosophy with practical techniques and guidelines for effective and productive results. Mah has a psychotherapy practice in San Leandro, California where he works with children, teens, adults, couples, and families.

"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."