Maslow Before Bloom: Then Gardner, Jung & Goleman: Educating The Whole Child With Needs, Strengths, Meaning & Emotional Intelligence

by Bryan Pearlman

Five years in the making—the powerful follow-up to Maslow Before Basic Human Needs Before Academics.

What if school wasn’t just about achievement… but about becoming?

In Maslow Before Bloom… Then Gardner, Jung & Educating the Whole Child With Needs, Strengths, Meaning & Emotional Intelligence, Dr. Bryan Pearlman invites educators, counselors, and leaders to reimagine what it truly means to help students thrive. Building on the truth that kids can’t learn if they don’t feel safe, seen, or supported, this book goes beyond Maslow to explore how we help students grow—academically, emotionally, and personally.

Dr. Pearlman shares real-life stories from his decades as an educator, school leader, and mental health professional—stories of students who weren’t broken, just unseen. You may remember JJ, Annie, Mikey, Austin, Emily, Curtis, and Chuck from earlier books. This time, their stories are revisited through new lenses—revealing not just trauma, but brilliance, creativity, and resilience.

Through the combined lenses of Maslow (needs), Bloom (thinking), Gardner (intelligences), Jung (identity and purpose), and Goleman (emotional intelligence), this book offers a powerful roadmap for educating the whole child.

Inside You’ll

Part The Foundations of Human-Centered Education
Why compliance-based education no longer works—and how to shift toward connection, healing, and purpose.

Part Maslow – Meeting Basic Needs First
How to create safe classrooms, foster belonging, and support student voice. Without safety, learning is blocked.

Part Bloom – A Trauma-Informed Approach to Deep Thinking
Using Bloom’s Taxonomy to promote real learning—once students feel safe and regulated.

Part Gardner – Honoring Multiple Intelligences
Plan lessons that celebrate diverse strengths—social, artistic, kinesthetic, introspective, and beyond.

Part Jung – Cultivating Identity, Meaning, and Purpose
Help students explore who they are and who they are becoming through introspection and storytelling.

Part Goleman – Emotional Intelligence in Action
Teach self-awareness, emotion regulation, empathy, and social skills—turning misbehavior into coaching moments.

Part Application and Transformation
Real-world examples and strategies for public, private, and alternative settings, with tools for equity, relationships, and family engagement.

Reframing Student Stories

In Chapters 26–32, we revisit students we thought we

Chuck wasn’t a ruckus—he was a child in pain.

Emily wasn’t quiet—she was silently suffering.

Curtis wasn’t disruptive—he was a systems thinker overlooked by the system.

These students didn’t need more referrals. They needed someone to truly see them.

From Survival to Significance

In the final chapter, Dr. Pearlman reminds survival isn’t the goal. Students deserve meaning, confidence, and a chance to discover who they’re meant to be.

This is a call to action. A guidebook. A reminder.

310 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 11, 2025

Reviews

[Bevil Velensky · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a school principal profoundly committed to fostering a school environment where every learner
can truly thrive, Dr. Bryan Pearlman's book, "Maslow Before Bloom… Then Gardner, Jung &
Goleman: Educating the Whole Child with Needs, Strengths, Meaning & Emotional
Intelligence," is more than just a professional read—it's a transformative blueprint. This book
speaks precisely what many of us in leadership roles feel is missing from traditional, compliancedriven education: a profound understanding of the human element behind every learner.
The very title, "Maslow Before Bloom," sets the opening premise that "basic needs—safety,
food, love, belonging—must be met first". From my viewpoint, this is not merely a theoretical
concept but a daily reality. The book strongly reminds us that "When students don’t feel safe,
when they’re hungry, scared, or unstable, learning isn’t just hard—it’s neurologically
blocked". This understanding is critical for any principal and school management team dealing
with challenging behaviours. We often "misinterpret the symptoms as misbehaviour", when in
fact, a learner acting out may simply be in a survival state, where their prefrontal cortex—vital for
learning—is "offline". Pearlman urges us to change our lens from "What’s wrong with you?" to
"What happened to you—and how can we help you feel safe?". This reframing is the bedrock
of restorative approaches, moving us beyond punishment to "understanding the child behind
the behaviour". The principle that "connection is the intervention" echoes deeply, reinforcing
that strong relationships with caring adults can really "change the trajectory of a child’s life".
The book masterfully extends this foundational understanding by integrating other key
psychological frameworks to truly embrace the "whole child".
Part VII, "Application and Transformation," ties these five frameworks together into a practical,
"usable model for any classroom or school". It calls for "flexible learning spaces, growthbased assessment, relationship-centred teaching, and family/community partnerships". As a
principal, the emphasis on "systemic change rooted not in sympathy or 'fixing' students—but
in honouring their humanity" is particularly impactful. This means "rethinking assessment to
focus on growth, effort, and mastery" rather than just grades, and fostering "human-centred
educators" who prioritise connection and teacher well-being.
In essence, Dr. Pearlman’s book serves as an essential guide for any principal and school
management team enthusiastic to creating schools where learners don't just survive, but "thrive".
It reinforces that "teaching from the heart, with science in our hands and humanity in our
eyes" is how we truly "help them become who they’re meant to be". It's a powerful call to
action to move beyond simply managing behaviour to "mentoring human potential", creating
an educational ecosystem where every learner is seen, heard, and understood.
Bevil Velensky, Southfield Primary School

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pearlman encourages us to teach the whole child, something I firmly believe is the key to being a successful teacher. His book encourages us to treat students as humans, not just faces in the crowd or bodies in the chairs.

In the initial chapters, Pearlman explains each theory, how it Impacts Learning, and offers the science behind it. He provides applications for students to foster in depth learning and their make learning meaningful to them, provides differentiation, and offers practical strategies. Pearlman emphasizes the importance of honoring students' uniqueness and giving them choices that maximize their learning experiences. He further discusses students’ emotional needs and the importance of including practices that promote their emotional growth. He ends those chapters with his Final Thoughts, a summary the Key Points, and poses Questions for Reflection.

Reflecting on our practices in and outside of the classroom is essential. Are we accepting of all people, and do we seek out ways to understand each other and our students? Do we offer learning opportunities that allow our students to do the same? This creates a feeling of belonging and connection that helps students build their self esteem and confidence. Pearlman offers ways we can focus our planning based on what students can do, so they continue to build skills based on those strengths, will also increase their engagement. We need to help students grow a healthy brain/mindset in order to accomplish what seek to teach them academically. Executive functioning breaks are essential for all students. Students need time to reset.

When Pearlman speaks specifically to students with IEPs, he suggests developing "strength profiles" in addition to accommodation plans, asking students how they learn best, and nurturing their intelligences. Our students have their own unique set of gifts; therefore, we should use their strengths to help them build additional knowledge.

Pearlman later revisits Case Studies with a New Lens in chapters 26-32, reminding us to apply the five mind theories. To do this, he states: "Maslow opens the door. But Gardner, Jung, and Goleman help them walk through it—fully alive. Gardner Reminds Us: Every Child Has Strengths."

Pearlman's final call is to Implement Human-Centered Education. He offers student scenarios and asks what we would do through the five minds, even modeling his own story. At the end of the day, our students are human. They need human connections and acceptance that allow them to feel safe and supported in their classroom communities, which in turn allows them to build on their strengths, grow emotionally, and maximize their learning journeys.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book hit me square in the gut—and in the heart. As a head teacher working with children day in, day out, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when we treat kids like test scores instead of human beings. I’ve also seen what changes when we stop, breathe, and actually see the child in front of us. That’s exactly what Dr. Pearlman’s book is about.

This isn’t another book spouting theory or adding jargon to our plates. It’s a clear, practical call to get back to what really matters: human connection. The message is simple but urgent—if our children don’t feel safe, heard, and valued, they won’t learn. Full stop. And yet it goes deeper than that. Pearlman pushes us to move beyond Maslow—not just keeping kids afloat, but helping them become.

What I appreciate most is the way this book weaves together psychology, pedagogy, and humanity. It doesn't treat these frameworks (Maslow, Bloom, Gardner, Jung, Goleman) like academic checklists. Instead, it uses them as lenses to truly understand our students—who they are, what they need, and who they might become if we stop managing behaviour and start building relationships.

The stories of JJ, Annie, Mikey, and the rest aren’t just case studies—they’re mirrors. I recognised my own students in their pain, and just as importantly, in their potential. Every chapter pushed me to reflect: How often have I written off a child as disruptive, when really they were just overwhelmed? How often have I looked for compliance instead of connection?

Pearlman doesn’t sugar-coat it. This work is hard. It requires us to confront the limitations of traditional schooling and our own blind spots as educators. But he offers tools, not just theory. There are concrete strategies for creating safety, supporting emotional growth, honouring different strengths, and fostering identity. It’s not fluffy. It’s grounded, rigorous, and real.

I’d recommend this to any school leader, classroom teacher, or professional who works with children. Especially if you’re feeling burnt out, disillusioned, or like you’ve lost sight of why you started this job in the first place. This book recentres the mission: kids first, always. Not just academically successful—but emotionally strong, purpose-driven, and seen.

We don’t need more policies. We need more humanity. This book helps us remember that—and act on it.

[Kaila Akers · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book reaffirms several things that contribute to the success of your students, such as establishing relationships with your kids, celebrating each unique person created by God. There is so much more to a student than the data they give you on a given day, which may be impacted by certain behaviors. All behavior is communication, but it takes time to dig into what is behind it. It makes all the difference when students and educators have formed that relationship. One of my favorite quotes from the book says, "Every child deserves an adult who believes in them, listens to them, and refuses to give up on them." Students need to know that even though they may not be able to do something difficult YET, they will find success with your help and guidance, which could look different for each student in your classroom.

The book also makes the argument that students should have the opportunity to choose how they are able to demonstrate their learning, as children excel through different forms of assessment. Students who feel they belong in your classroom family will shine and work hard to go beyond the expectations you set as their teacher. I've seen this in my own classroom several times.

The discussion on celebrating making a mistake and learning how to rebound from that is very needed in today's world. It is something that I continue to see as a struggle with students, as many struggle with wanting things perfect, and it was a good reminder that it's okay to need to fix something. I appreciated how the author provided real life examples of the shift in mindset to help all students continue to find success.

The author provides simple, practical applications as to how to approach building your classroom community behind the thought process of Maslow before Bloom, not just for the students who have more visible struggles. The reflective questions at the end of the chapters provide opportunities for teachers to collaborate and discuss their students' situations and how to best help them succeed.

Would you rather have an environment where compliance is demanded or where mistakes are seen as a part of the learning process, where students are willing to take a risk? Be the teacher YOU needed when you were young.

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a special educator with thirty years of experience, I often find myself navigating the tension between academic expectations and my students very real social and emotional, and developmental needs. Dr. Pearlman's first book and now Maslow before Bloom, then Gardner, Young, and Goleman not only gives this tension a name but offers the educator a clear, compassionate framework for addressing it. He argues that before we focus on Bloom's taxonomy , the cognitive skills often prioritized in curriculum and testing, we must first meet our students foundational human needs as Maslow points out. For any educator who has worked with students with IEP's , who have experienced trauma, poverty, emotional regulation challenges, and many more issues, this reordering makes perfect sense. As educators we see that students who are experiencing anxiety, hunger, tiredness, a lack of safety and other resources cannot access higher-order thinking until those basic needs are met. In this book, the inclusion of Gardner's theory of multiple intelligence is so important to me as a special educator as I know first hand that many of my students have gifts that cannot be measured on standardized tests, such as interpersonal skills, visual-spatial reasoning, musical and artistic skills. Dr. Pearlman suggests we move beyond our traditional definition of intelligence and learn to celebrate the differences of our students. With the addition of Goleman's work the social and emotional needs of a child ,as we often advocate for in and IEP, are addressed and support teachers continuing to give students the skills they need in these important areas to be successful beyond the classroom. How to do this is not taught in teacher preparation classes. I learned this early on in my classroom and was lucky to have administrators who understood this and would encourage the use of Dr. Pearlman's book in teacher preparation programs as well as for district and school book study as I think with so many new teachers and people coming from non teacher preparation programs, this book would be a great tool to helping both new graduates as well as new to the field teachers better understand how all of these great theories can be applied in our classrooms to improve instruction and learning for our students!

[Erin Whalen · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Maslow Before Bloom… Then Gardner, Jung & Goleman, Dr. Bryan Pearlman created a framework for whole child education using the work of several educational researchers. Pearlman offers a good reminder that there isn’t one magic solution to excellent teaching. It takes many coordinated, intentional efforts all being done simultaneously. While no single book can be completely comprehensive, this book provides an excellent framework of the foundations of good teaching.

As a follow-up and expansion of his previous book, Pearlman offers not a sequel but a more definitive set of strategies to ensure the total well-being and success of the students entrusted to our care. Beginning with an overview of what today’s students need, Pearlman then leads us through the work of each of the five researchers in the title, including ideas of how to implement the research and offering reflection questions for us to consider to improve our practice. He moves seamlessly between the theoretical and the practical, covering both in ways that are easy to understand and implement. The author also includes case studies and what-if scenarios for personal reflection and group discussions.

An easy and relevant read, I found Pearlman’s work to be realistic but also hopeful. There are challenges to overcome but they are not insurmountable. Rather than just being “fluff” or feel-good words, the book offers an honest look at what can be done when behaviors overwhelm us. After all, “Equity is not about lowering standards. It is about raising the level of support.”

In a world where it is increasingly difficult to teach, Dr. Pearlman gives us hope that we can still make a difference, and he gives us the tools to do so. Whether you are entering a new school year, full of anticipation and optimism, you are in the last week of school and using every chance to connect with your students before summer break, or you are somewhere in between, this book can help you form connections that lead to emotional intelligence, academic success, and a strong sense of self for each of your students no matter their circumstances.

[Ebonee Magee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Bryan Pearlman’s Maslow Before Bloom… Then Gardner, Jung & Goleman is more than an educational theory book—it’s a heartfelt manifesto for what education should be. Building on the foundational principle that students’ basic needs must be met before true learning can occur, Pearlman pushes beyond the popular “Maslow before Bloom” philosophy and offers an evolved, multi-dimensional framework that centers human connection, emotional safety, and purpose-driven instruction.

What makes this book stand out is its layered integration of five powerful thinkers: Maslow (needs), Bloom (cognitive development), Gardner (multiple intelligences), Jung (identity and meaning), and Goleman (emotional intelligence). Pearlman weaves these ideas into a cohesive and highly practical model for classroom teachers, school leaders, and mental health professionals.

The real strength of the book lies in its authentic storytelling. From JJ to Chuck, Curtis to Emily, readers are invited to revisit student case studies—not to relive trauma, but to uncover strength, purpose, and potential. These real-life narratives aren’t included as inspirational side notes—they are the evidence that this human-centered framework works when applied with intention.

Pearlman doesn’t just preach theory—he equips readers with tangible strategies, reflective questions, and classroom-ready tools to foster belonging, elevate student voice, and bridge emotional wellness with academic rigor. His transparency, especially in sharing his own journey as a misunderstood student, lends emotional credibility to his message.

If you’ve ever felt torn between meeting district expectations and truly reaching your students—this book is for you. It challenges you to stop seeing behavior as a disruption and start asking, “What does this child need right now?” It dares educators to go beyond content standards and standardized tests and instead focus on what it means to see—and teach—the whole child.

Highly recommended for anyone committed to educational equity, trauma-informed practice, or simply building classrooms where all students are seen, valued, and given the chance to thrive.

[Mrs Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A profound, compassionate, and actionable guide to transforming education—one child at a time.

Dr. Bryan Pearlman’s Educating the Whole Child is more than a professional resource—it's a human manifesto. Building on the impactful premise of his earlier work, Maslow Before Bloom, this book expands the conversation by weaving together the foundational insights of Maslow, Bloom, Gardner, Jung, and Goleman into a cohesive, people-centred educational framework.

Pearlman draws from his experiences as a teacher, school leader, and mental health professional to share real stories of students who were misjudged, misunderstood, and too often failed by the system. These narratives ground the theory in urgent, emotional truth—and remind readers that every student is more than their behaviour or their test score.

What makes this book stand out is its layered yet accessible approach. Part philosophy, part pedagogy, and part practical toolkit, each section explores a critical dimension of the learner’s experience: from unmet needs and safety (Maslow), to cognitive growth (Bloom), strengths and intelligences (Gardner), identity and self-awareness (Jung), and finally emotional intelligence (Goleman). It offers powerful strategies for educators looking to connect, heal, and inspire rather than control and standardise.

Pearlman doesn’t shy away from systemic critique—calling out how education has long prioritised compliance over connection—but he balances this with hope and vision. His model is both a call to action and a roadmap for educators, school leaders, and anyone committed to reimagining what education could be.

If you've ever felt there was more to a student than their behaviour suggested, or if you're tired of systems that reduce children to numbers, Educating the Whole Child is essential reading. It’s a timely, heartfelt, and transformative book that challenges us to stop managing students and start mentoring them.

Highly recommended for educators, parents, and change-makers who believe every child deserves to be seen, heard, and helped to thrive.

[Bobbie French · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maslow Before Bloom... Then Gardner, Jung & Goleman: Educating the Whole Child with Needs, Strengths, Meaning & Emotional Intelligence by Dr. Bryan Pearlman

This book is a timely and essential read for today’s educators. As we continue to navigate the evolving needs of students—especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic—Dr. Bryan Pearlman challenges us to go beyond traditional educational frameworks and prioritize the whole child.

Many students are entering our classrooms with fewer foundational skills and less preparation than in years past. Dr. Pearlman provides a clear, thoughtful roadmap for how we can meet students where they are. He begins with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and builds upon it, incorporating the powerful work of Gardner, Jung, and Goleman to help educators focus not just on academics, but on helping students survive, thrive, and grow.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its practicality. Bryan provides specific, relatable examples of how to apply these theories to real student situations in schools. He even reflects on his own experiences as a student, offering personal insights that make the concepts come alive. These applications give educators tools they can implement immediately to support students' emotional well-being, develop their strengths, build their identity, and foster emotional intelligence through consistent, caring relationships.

I can’t wait to share this book with my teachers and educator friends as we all continue striving to educate the whole child. It’s a must-read for anyone committed to creating meaningful, supportive, and inclusive learning environments.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maslow Before Bloom...Then Gardner, Jung & Goleman Educating the Whole Child With Needs, Strengths, Meaning & Emotional Intelligence by Dr. Bryan Pearlman is a must read for those engaging with children and young adults. It is a guiding light that shines on the humanity of teaching.


While reading Maslow Before Bloom, the importance of developing a shift in mindset- was observed. Instead of thinking , “This kid is misbehaving because they are manipulating”- the book encourages asking, “Why is this child behaving this way?” Dr. Pearlman provides us with guidance and support to go beyond punishment and help children develop the skills needed to thrive.

One of the book's strengths is its use of research and data to support the fact that kids need a variety of levels of support and guidance to continually grow. They need to know they are capable of hard things with the guidance and support of the caring adults in their lives. One of my favorite quotes is, “Confidence and competence are built-not assumed. Too often, students are labeled as "unmotivated" or "uninterested," when in reality, they feel incapable.”


I enjoyed reading Maslow Before Bloom because it reminded me to appreciate the child/learner that they are and to help them develop the skills and strategies needed to positively develop into who they can become.


I highly recommend this book and believe it is a must read for anyone in education field.

[SUSAN HERNANDEZ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pearlman's introduction resonated with me because I was told my junior year of high school that I wasn't college material and that I should look at trade schools. Who told me that? My high school counselor! Those words plagued me for many, many years. I'll just say that I finally returned to college at 48 years old to finish something I should have finished in my twenties. That counselor didn't know anything about me, but he cursed me with those words that I believed for so long.

Dr.Pearlman's book reminded me about the power of words and even more importantly, the power of relationships and the power one person can make in the life of a child.

I am now an elementary school counselor and found the insights in this book, the different case studies, and theories described, absolutely needed, not only in my work, but in the work every person does at my school and all schools. Our work is more than just meeting students' basic needs so they can succeed academically. It's about building relationships with them, getting to know their wants and needs, discovering how they think, helping them discover how they learn, how they process information and how we can best help the whole child succeed. This book helps us discover these and other supports to help children feel safe in various learning environments. It's a must read for all educators!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must-Read for Anyone Who Wants to See Their Students Truly

Dr. Bryan Pearlman’s latest work is more than just a book, it’s a compassionate roadmap for transforming how we think about education. Pearlman expands the framework to incorporate the insights of Gardner, Jung, and Goleman, weaving together human needs, multiple intelligences, purpose, and emotional intelligence into a unified vision for educating the whole child.
What makes this book different than other books is its mix of heart and practicality. Pearlman draws from personal experience—both his own struggles as a student and decades of work as an educator and mental health professional—to show exactly how unmet needs, trauma, and outdated systems hold students back. The case studies are deeply moving and remind us that behind every behavior is a story worth understanding.
If you’ve ever felt frustrated by test-driven systems or wondered how to balance rigor with compassion, this book will not only validate your instincts but also give you a framework to make real change. It’s the perfect blend of educational philosophy, neuroscience, and day-to-day classroom wisdom.
Bottom line: This is essential reading for teachers, school leaders, counselors, and anyone who wants to create learning environments where students aren’t just surviving school, they’re becoming who they’re meant to be.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I greatly enjoyed Dr. Bryan Pearlman’s upcoming book, Maslow Before Bloom...Then Gardner, Jung & Coleman, a thought-provoking and heartfelt exploration of what truly matters in education.

At the heart of this book is the powerful idea that students cannot thrive academically until their basic emotional and psychological needs are met. Dr. Pearlman emphasizes that educators must prioritize connection, trust, and understanding before diving into content mastery. His insights remind us that teaching is not just about delivering lessons but about seeing, valuing, and nurturing the whole child.

What resonated with me most was the book’s unwavering focus on building authentic relationships with students. Dr. Pearlman provides practical strategies for creating a classroom culture where every student feels safe, heard, and capable. He reminds us that great teaching is as much about empathy and emotional intelligence as it is about curriculum and assessment.

Highly recommended for those who believe in teaching the heart before teaching the mind!

[Natalie Ferrier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maslow before Bloom: Then Gardner, Jung & Goleman reviews Development and Educational Theories expressly linking them to the school setting. Pearlman prompts readers to imagine their own classroom approach and how learners are invited to grow their comfort and then are able to truly learn and grow both in academic knowledge, but more importantly as a person coming to self-actualization.
Pearlman moves from theories to Self-Regulation, Empathy, Compassion, AND ULTIMATELY every teacher's goal of a happy learner.

The book finishes by urging teachers and leaders to move thinking about classroom & school as a whole to the full person, all aspects that Gardner, Jung, Goleman outline, within the safety of Maslow's higher tiers. Having understanding these theories addressing safety, risk taking, availability to learning, and ultimately investment is adjusted in today's world with today's learners.
The loudest and quietest yells often shares the greatest need. Educators most basic and fruitful goal is to ensure that school is refuge with care, routines, and safe growth.

[Patti Thurmeier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Without going into great depth, the author provides an overview of the theories posited by Maslow, Bloom, Gardner, Jung and Coleman and then gives suggestions on how to make them realities in today’s classrooms.  Each chapter ends with a list of key take-aways and a set of reflection questions to scaffold the reader in making a commitment to educating the whole child. There is a section specifically focused on the application and transformation to a child-centred approach including family engagement.  The last section is a series of case studies, an opportunity for the reader to think “what would I do”. This resource is easy to read, not snarled in jargon and rhetoric and is a timely call to remember that students are more than test scores; we need to support the development of the whole child. As Perlman states, “We don’t want students to do what we say – we want students to understand how they learn, believe in their voice and know how to navigate their own challenges.” It is time for the North American education systems to make that shift.

[Jennifer McCafferty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Bryan Pearlman’s new book Maslow before Bloom…Then Gardner, Jung, and Goleman: Educating the Whole Child with Needs, Strengths, Meaning, and Emotional Intelligence takes readers deeper into how to best reach students to improve their educational experience. This book builds upon the understanding Dr. Pearlman shared in his first book, Maslow before Bloom, that students’ basic human needs must be met before they can fully engage in and benefit from their educational opportunities. This book provides insights to answer the now what question. If school systems and educators meet the needs of safety, food, and belonging for every student, does that guarantee students will thrive in the classroom? In this new book, Dr. Bryan Pearlman shows us students need more than Maslow to reach the highest student engagement and achievement. This practical book helps educators and others interested in improving outcomes for students, connect the next steps of theory to practice by supporting the whole student and working toward 100% student success.

[Tina Propes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maslow Before Bloom…Then Gardner, Jung & Goleman by Dr. Bryan Pearlman is a valuable book for any teacher who wants to make a meaningful difference in the lives of students. This insightful book is an extension of the ideas presented in his first book, Maslow Before Bloom, which explores the importance of addressing basic needs before learning can occur. In this book, Dr. Pearlman integrates his theories with those of Gardner, Jung, and Goleman, developing a framework for reaching all learners.
The layout of each chapter examines the work of a theorist. Dr. Pearlman provides a summary of key points, ensuring that the reader can review the concept presented. Reflection questions make this book a great for book studies or personal reflection. Additionally, case studies in the book explore how the theory is put into practice.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it for anyone who wants to further explore the need to address the whole child in education.

[Qiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Pearlman's newest book is truly transformative! It offers a complete mindset shift in how educators should approach educating any child. Dr. Pearlman very concretely outlines how to best reach students with clear approaches to addressing the whole child and their many unique needs and gifts; in a way that is actually achievable not overwhelming. It's an easy read without tons of jargon but rather loaded with practical information. This book would make a great book club or book study book for schoolwide and district-wide teams alike. Every person who interacts with a child within a school setting should to read this book. Honestly, there's lots of value in this book for parents to take from it also, in regards to how their child's school should be approaching learning. There's absolutely a wealth of knowledge to be gained here!

[The Medina Crew · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the very beginning, I found myself saying out loud, “Yes!” It was incredibly affirming to see my intuitive approach to school counseling so clearly reflected in writing. Pearlman offers a powerful toolkit, enriched with real-life anecdotes, to provide actionable strategies for dismantling outdated pedagogies that hinder the holistic development of today’s students. We can no longer be effective educators by relying on old methods that encourage passive compliance—sit quietly, don’t question, and just complete the work. Pearlman skillfully weaves together the theories of Maslow, Bloom, Gardner, Jung, and Goleman to present a comprehensive and human-centered framework for supporting our youth in meaningful, lasting ways. With reflective questions included at the end of each chapter, it’s ideally structured for group discussion. This is truly a must-read.

[Belinda Azpeitia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book really changed the way I think about students and learning. Maslow Before Bloom… Then Gardner, Jung & Goleman isn’t just another education book—it’s a reminder that before we focus on academics, we have to focus on people. I appreciated how the author explained that students can’t reach higher levels of thinking or creativity until their basic needs, safety, and sense of belonging are supported.
As someone studying communication sciences and working closely with people every day, this book spoke to me on a personal level. It connected psychology and education in a way that was both easy to understand and yet still deep and meaningful. I especially liked how it connected emotional intelligence and multiple intelligences—it shows that there isn’t one “right” way to learn or succeed.

[Abigail Crouthers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maslow Before Bloom… Then Gardner, Jung & Coleman” is a great book for teachers who want to understand why kids learn and act the way they do. It breaks down big ideas in education and psychology into clear, simple explanations.

The best part is how the book reminds us to focus on students as people first. When kids feel safe, cared for, and understood, everything else, behavior, learning, motivation, gets easier. The book then shows how different students have different strengths, personalities, and emotional needs, and gives tips for how to support them.

It’s not filled with confusing theory or heavy academic language. It’s practical, relatable, and something you can actually use in your classroom the next day.

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read and easy to relate to my classroom and school. Education should not be only about grades and standards but also growing human beings who do well and are well. With multiple reflection questions to consider, I am able to apply the concepts presented to my work with students in a way that meets the individuality of people. I was reminded of the importance of staying in the present and to teach and encourage kids to do the same--with empathy and compassion. The case studies were helpful for seeing kids from multiple perspectives, simultaneously. Kids can't learn if they don't feel safe, and this book gave some tools for developing trust and safety.

[Laurie Corizzo]

Dr. Pearlman has provided educators of all denominations, leadership, counselors, teachers, support staff, with a plethora of information on how to recognize and acknowledge the child BEHIND the behaviors. Delving deeply beyond the Maslow then Bloom paradigms, the author introduces us to some old friends: Gardner, Jung, and Goleman and highlights their necessity in addressing the WHOLE child. Numerous suggestions and implications for use in the "school world" are provided. An easy going read which leaves you wanting for more, Maslow before Bloom, then Gardner, Jung, and Goleman should be a mandatory PD for everyone returning to school. Kudos again for Dr. Pearlman.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredibly inspiring writer!
This book perfectly fills in many of the missing pieces needed to help all students thrive in an educational setting. I connected deeply with Dr. Pearlman’s powerful shift from compliance to connection, which has further built my toolbox to support the growth of all students into lifelong learners.

The structure of the book, with short chapters, summaries, and reflection, was an unexpected bonus. It encouraged me to think more deeply and plan practical ways to apply new strategies in my classroom.

[Anita Garza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maslow Before Bloom…Then Gardner, Jung & Goleman Is an excellent read. From the book structure to its real life applications, it is a phenomenal tool for school staff from administrators all the way to paraprofessionals.
At the end of each chapter there is a wrap uo with questions you can use to prompt critical conversations. It is a very enjoyable, easy read. The central idea in this book is critical in today’s schools due to the high volume of social and emotional iconcerns that students are encountering and need to be addressed before academic success can happen.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a college student, I found Maslow Before Bloom... Then Gardner, Jung & Goleman to be a really eye-opening read. It made me think differently about how students learn and what they need emotionally before they can succeed academically. The book connects psychology and education in a way that’s easy to understand, and it helped me see why focusing on students’ well-being and motivation is just as important as teaching content. It’s a great read for anyone studying education or planning to work with students

[Cindy Povall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Bryan Pearlman’s newest book, Maslow Before Bloom…then Gardner, Jung & Goleman is a true work of heart. He continues to share stories that tug at one’s heart and motivates one to bring their best in understanding the whole child. This a must read for the new school year. I plan to share it with my district’s whole leadership team and want to have it be a whole staff read. Dr. Cindy Povall, Director of School Counseling

[Amber L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is easy to read and provides specific strategies and practices that all educators should use. Dr. Pearlman explains how his approach is grounded in theory and focused on humanizing learning to educate the whole child. I am an educator and researcher of best practices in teaching and learning and I highly encourage all educators to read and follow the recommendations in this book! They align with what I have learned about best practices in meeting the holistic needs of all learners.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been a fantastic read. I love the add on with Gardner, Jung and Coleman. This aligns with the whole person and person centrered approach that I try to embed in my work in schools. I think this would be a great book study for our staff. The examples and scenarios help to scaffold how to support students.

[Deborah Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bryan Pearlman has done it again. This book is a must read for educators. You will find a renewed excitement for educating the whole student in this book. Theory, heartwarming stories, and real world application come together in this book. Read it, share it with colleagues, enjoy it. You won’t be disappointed.