A Guidance Approach for the Encouraging Classroom, 3E is an experienced based text which focuses on children ages three to eight years. Topics discussed are currently based on "self concept" psychology from such sources as Maslow, Rogers, Erikson and Ginott. The text is based on developmental psychology from such sources as Piaget and the DAP work of NAEYC. While these foundations are essential, the late twentieth century work on multiple intellegences and emotional intelligence blends well with the guidance approach. Concepts, principles and methods necessary to assist practicing and prospective teachers in building and maintaining an encouraging classroom are present in this text. Each chapter includes a section on building and maintaining parent-teacher relationships from a guidance perspective, and numerous antidotes allow students to observe the balance between research and application in validating the guidance approach. The text also examines the relationship between societal violence and mistaken behavior in the classroom, and provides new information on bullying. Developing the concept of "liberation teaching" as the guidance response to societal violence, it shows how "liberation teaching" can be used to prevent stigmas and build resiliency in vulnerable children.