Lost at School: Why Our Kids with Behavioral Challenges are Falling Through the Cracks and How We Can Help Them Paperback – October 20, 2009

This book completely changed the way I think about kids who struggle with behavior. Instead of assuming they’re being difficult on purpose, the book helped me see that a lot of the time, they’re struggling because they can’t do well—not because they won’t. That idea really stuck with me.What I love is how practical and real the book is. It’s not just theory—it gives clear examples and shows you how to actually work with a child to figure things out together. It’s not about punishment, it’s about teamwork and problem-solving.As a para works in the school, this book has been super helpful. I work with students who need extra support, and this gave me a better understanding of what they’re going through—and how to actually support them instead of just reacting.

Dr. Ross W. Greene’s “Lost at School,” provides an excellent resource for educators wrestling with challenging student behaviors. As a first-grade teacher who has read this book over summer break, I found it to be a transformative guide that offers strategies to address classroom issues in a constructive and empathetic manner.The book introduces the Collaborative and Proactive Solutions (CPS) model as an approach that shifts the focus from punitive measures to collaborative problem-solving. Green’s method is not just about managing behaviors but understanding the underlying unsolved problems that contribute to them. He explains the CPS model very meticulously so that the reader understands each element of the approach. The clarify with which he presents the model has equipped with a strong and clear framework to implement in my classroom.The narrative style of “Lost at School” is another aspect that makes this book an engaging read. By weaving in the experiences of various parents, teachers, and students, Greene provides real-life scenarios that illustrate the application of CPS. The stories are not only relatable but serve as valuable example of how to navigate the different steps of the model. This storytelling approach has deepened my understanding and made it easier to envision implementing these strategies in real-life situations.Looking ahead to the upcoming school year, I am committed to carrying this book with me as a guide and reference. The strategies and insights provided by Greene will be instrumental in helping me connect with my students and their parents, fostering a collaborative atmosphere where everyone feels like a part of a team. I am optimistic that by using the CPS model, I can build strong relationships with students and parents while demonstrating to parents that we are united in our efforts to support their children.In conclusion, “Lost at School,” is a great resource for any educators dealing with challenging behaviors in the classroom. Greene’s CPS model offers an empathetic and effective approach that promises to transform how we address and understand student behavior. I highly recommend this book to fellow teachers seeking to enhance their classroom management skills.

In Lost at School, Ross W. Greene offers a groundbreaking approach to understanding and assisting behaviorally challenging students in the educational system. Building on his previous work, The Explosive Child, Greene critiques traditional disciplinary measures—such as detentions and suspensions—which often prove ineffective for the very children they aim to correct. Instead, he presents a compelling, research-backed alternative through his Collaborative Problem Solving framework.Greene emphasizes that children with behavioral challenges are not inherently manipulative or unmotivated; rather, they often lack the necessary skills to behave adaptively. By identifying the underlying triggers and lagging skills that contribute to difficult behavior, educators and parents can foster positive interactions and help these children succeed. Through a series of practical tools and insightful guidance, Greene illustrates how to approach these situations with understanding and patience.Filled with real-life examples, dialogues, and a narrative that follows a specific child's journey, Lost at School is both accessible and enlightening. Dr. Greene's work is backed by years of experience and dedication, providing a sense of hope and actionable strategies that can profoundly impact classroom experiences for challenging kids. This essential resource is a must-read for educators and parents looking to create a more effective and compassionate learning environment.