It's hard enough for adults to listen well to others, let alone teenagers. Start your middle schoolers out on the right foot with a collection of lessons on active listening skills, which reinforce the empathy and kindness needed for a positive class environment.

The beginning of a more tolerant world begins with the younger generation. Seventh graders work on empathy, listening skills, and demonstrating respect with a short series of lessons about understanding their peers and others in their community.

The adolescent years can be turmoil on a child's self-esteem. Help them to keep self-talk and peer discussions positive with a four-lesson series that encourages learners to contribute to a supportive class atmosphere—and to be kind to themselves as well.

Young people often have the best intentions at heart—but perhaps not the best influences in their ear. Encourage middle schoolers to resist the seemingly irresistible pull of peer pressure with a series that culminates in a research project about historical figures who stood up for others.