In restorative circles with pre-K through 2nd grade, we read 'Chrysanthemum,' which is about a mouse who is teased about her name. The students learn to recognize the 'put-ups' (positive language) and 'put-downs' (negative language) in the story. While we read, the students raise their sign as a thumbs-up when they hear a put-up and as a thumbs-down when they hear a put-down. After this lesson, which we revisit regularly, students are able to use positive language with their classmates.

—Cynthia Turnquest Jones, librarian at PS/MS 46 in Manhattan as part of the Robin Hood Library Initiative

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