How does a teacher manage learners when children negatively impact group culture?
In Solutions That Heal, you will discover . . .
a framework for behavior management that allows you to restore instead of react.
spiritual and neurological factors that cause behaviors to spread like microbes.
solutions that account for the basic human needs of security, connection, guidance, and grace.
classroom management practices that help you approach behavior situations from a posture of healing rather than retaliation.
remedies for common behavior infections, such as comedy disorder, disgruntle-bug, and silence syndrome.
Discussion questions at the end of each chapter make it a great resource for professional development, book clubs, and teacher education courses.
Table of Contents
Foreword by David I. Smith
Introduction
Section One: Attitude Germ and How to Treat It
Chapter 1—Catching a Case of Attitude Germ
Chapter 2—Be the Teacher
Chapter 3—Eyes on the Target
Section Two: The Brainwork and Beliefs Behind a Teaching Approach
Chapter 4—Spiritual Soft Spots and a Scriptural Perspective
Chapter 5—Attitude Germ and the Nervous System
Chapter 6—Peer Pressure, Status, and the Need to be Noticed
Section Three: Healing Practices
Chapter 7—Personal Conversations
Chapter 8—Isolating the Germ
Chapter 9—Releasing Others From the Hold
Section Four: Common Strains and Stories of Healing
Chapter 10—Comedy Disorder: Making Light of Learning
Chapter 11—Disgruntle-Bug: Spreading Negativity
Chapter 12—Silence Syndrome: Holding Others Back
Chapter 13—Ambush Germ: Targeting From Behind
Chapter 14—Mischief Outbreak: Rooting for Wrong
Chapter 15—Adverse Reaction Cycle: Unleashing in Every Direction
Chapter 16—Epilogue: On the Mend, Once Again
Endorsements
Drawing on research from neuroscience, Scripture, trauma-informed practices, and hard-earned firsthand experience, Al shares practical advice about challenging student behaviors.
—Dave Mulder, professor of education at Dordt University and author of Always Becoming, Never Arriving: Developing an Imagination for Teaching Christianly
Al weaves teaching experiences with scientific insights from neuroscience and the wisdom of Scripture, creating a must-read for Christian educators seeking solutions that foster healing and growth.
—Jessica De Wit, director of learning at Central Valley Christian Schools
Al’s approach is wise, stress-tested, and attentive to the hearts of teachers and students. Whether you are a seasoned educator or just getting started, Solutions That Heal will help you transform your learning space into a community of trust and care.
—Justin Ariel Bailey, professor of theology at Dordt University and author of Interpreting Your World
Author
Alan Bandstra serves as a middle school math and science teacher at Sioux Center Christian School. Long fascinated by peer influence in classrooms, he has studied group dynamics from the angles of scriptural teaching and empirical research. Alan’s relatable stories draw from contagious behavior situations he has encountered as an educator, teacher mentor, youth ministry volunteer, and dad. During summer breaks, Alan rejuvenates by loading his tools into the back of “Methuselah” (a rusty 1956 school bus) and working on home-repair projects for neighbors in his community.
