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Carney, P. (2015). Well aware: Developing resilient, active, and flourishing students. Toronto, Ontario, Canada: Pearson Canada Inc. 232 pp. $44.95. ISBN: 978-0-13-376056-9.
Introduction
Mental health has increasingly become a focal point in schools and educational communities in recent years (Leschied, Flett, & Saklofske, 2012). Rather than solely concentrating on disorders or disabilities, a shift has been made toward a focus on positive mental health, and providing enriching environments for all students. Classrooms that embrace a positive mental health framework are working toward prevention, inclusion, compassionate support, and healthy development (Schwean & Rodger, 2013). This book written by Dr. Patrick Carney provides educators with a greater understanding of positive mental health and the tools with which to implement useful strategies for the benefit of their students. The author hopes to describe a framework for instructors to foster support for all students by promoting healthy habits at a universal level before targeted interventions are needed at an individual level.
Content and Organization
Teachers have always strived to foster healthy development and well-being in their students. However, in recent years, the educational community has begun to recognize areas in which improvement is needed when it comes to students' mental health. Chapter 1 of this book outlines areas that require greater focus, suggesting that educators need to expand their knowledge in regard to mental health and implement more evidence-based strategies to generate positive learning environments. The focus of this book is to arm educators with the tools to promote positive mental health in all students, at every level of the school community. It is not intended to offer advice or information about targeted preventions or interventions. The "Well Aware" model-a model for well-being-is briefly introduced and consists of resilience, flourishing, and an active lifestyle. This chapter briefly summarizes the three approaches that are foundational to well-being: healthy school and community environments, social-emotional learning (SEL), and focusing on students' strengths.
Chapter 2 describes the whole-school, whole-community approach, a method that involves creating a healthy and caring environment in the classroom and the school by continuously promoting positive mental health. A large part of this approach focuses on the teachers and their roles in positive mental health promotion. Teachers are responsible for four broad areas: the teacher-student relationship, mental health...