The book covers a wide range of ideas for creating a positive, inclusive and empathetic classroom setting as the tile and cover promises. The authors style is easy-to-read and informative. There are questions for discussion, activities and key points are summarized well. The audience seems to be pre-service and new in-service teachers. The references to classic psychology really help to review concepts such as attachment, trauma and hidden goals of misbehavior. I appreciate that the author has a counseling background and that there are vignettes to provide examples. This generation of learners loves case studies. I also like the circle of care and the readiness for behavioral change theories.

My suggestions are from my lens, which may or may not be helpful. This is more of a designer issue, than author issue. Sometimes, the type should be broken up a bit more to give some think time. Also, I think so of the ideas go into a lot more detail than needed, but they could be powerful if repeated somewhere else in the text. An example of this is the chapter on intrusive thoughts. I think that there is some repetition. This is not the only place, but this stands out because my teacher candidates would probably benefit from a meditation exercise or something tangible. I know that the author offers that, but I would be careful to hone in on one or two clear takeaways. I also would have liked to see a citation or two from CBT or DBT, because it is evidence-based and time-tested. Finally, I would like to see some ideas for students to learn how to build empathy. I was expecting more of that. Otherwise, the book is helpful, informative and the author will be successful with this book.

This book is a must-have resource—a read, a re-read, and a reliable reference for emotional first aid. Whether you're a teacher, homeschooler, or parent, you'll find it invaluable. Much has been written about nurturing emotional intelligence in children, but who supports the nurturers? This book shifts the focus back to the adults doing the cultivating, offering essential lessons and practical insights into mental health management.

The Empathetic Classroom was a great reminder of the power of relationships and truly seeing our students. Maria Munro-Schuster shares heartfelt, realistic ideas that actually make sense in the middle of a busy school day. It’s not a how-to guide, but more of a mindset shift—one that encourages more compassion, connection, and reflection. It validated a lot of what I already try to do in my classroom and gave me a few new ways to approach tough moments. A thoughtful, grounding read that left me feeling re-centered and recharged.

This book is a must have for any and every kind of classroom, if you want to be the teacher that connects with your students deeply and also takes care of your personal emotional health at the same time, read this!!