In this ground-breaking, research-based, and practical book, Colker and Koralek, two of the most optimistic and creative educators I know, have given us something we didn’t know we needed and weren’t sure could be taught—ways of helping children, families, and teachers themselves learn optimism. Hopefully, these strategies for promoting optimism and building resilience, mindfulness, grit, growth mindset, gratitude, happiness, and kindness will become essential elements of all programs in these challenging and stressful times.” —Sue Bredekamp, PhD, early education consultant and editor of Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8
“In a time when our children are reaching out for emotional partners and teachers are feeling the daily frustrations of extremely challenging children’s behaviors—teachers are feeling helpless and hopeless. Making Lemonade systematically helps teachers to understand optimism, build a culture of optimism and provides realistic strategies and tools to embed optimism as part of the classroom climate. I am positively sure you will love reading and experiencing Making Lemonade.” —Stephen P. Zwolak, executive director, UniversityCity Children's Center, CEO, LUME Institute
“A great strength of Making Lemonade is its respect for the early childhood workforce. This book is a feast of practical resources—easy-to-implement tips, adaptable classroom activities, lists of children’s books, links to useful programs and lesson plans—all grounded in research and in the authors’ broad experience and deep wisdom.” —Marilou Hyson, PhD, early child development consultant
“Supporting children in developing an optimistic outlook is critical in fostering their resilience. In this practical and extremely important book, Laura Colker and Derry Koralek offer us many strategies for planting such seeds of hope.” —Travis Wright, EdD, counseling psychology and early childhood education director, The BASES Project (Building Academic, Social, and Emotional Supports for Children Experiencing Homelessness)