Conflict Resolution

Keeping the Peace

Violence Do not possess

conflict resolution Need to foster early

Why Fighting

Understand their thinking

What situation led to conflict

Unaware conflict is two-sided

Need to learn perspective taking

Three Main Conflict Situations

Put downs Bias statementsPhysical fighting

Hard to Deescalate

Child needs to control hurtful impulses

Need perspective taking skills (think and relate logically)

Help Children in Conflict Resolution

I Statements Active Listening

Active Listening & I Messages

Listen with full attentionShow at some level they understandPut aside own thoughts & opinionsLooks at feelings and needs of othersSolutions can be found

Class Meetings

What are class meeting?

Creating a sense of community

Promotes cognitive development

Teacher’s Response

Calmly Concern for sadness… Finding way to respond (allow time) Deep breaths together (watch your own body

language) Listen - limit distractions Respond to feelings expressed Work towards solution Sorry is quick fix Foster skills in life

Rheta DeVries & Lawrence Kohlberg

You build caring community by developing cognitive abilities and promoting strong social skills and values of higher level used outside the classroom and the larger society

Nuts and Bolts of Class Meetings

Four Parts Opening Acknowledgement Problem Solving Closing

Problem Solving

Gather information (all perspectives heard)

Solutions proposedParties agreeIf nothing else gained feelings

acknowledged and heard

Focuses on the Welfare of Others

Children empowered Address inequities Work towards

righting wrong

Practical Ideas to Incorporate

Peace Table (diminishes authoritarian methods)

Not punishment Adult acts as moderator/facilitatorTell what happenedChildren give alternativesAdult restates alternative never states

which option to take

Talking Stick

Ritual used by Native Americans during council meeting

12” to 14” decorate feathers, stones, acorns yarn ribbon…

Emphasis everyone’s feelings importantEveryone turn can pass

Sand Trays

Sand and miniature figures

Adult listening role

Writing

Letter Writing – issues such as including more people of color in a specific magazine

Journals- adults can take dictation from children – they can illustrate if desired

Writing Books – collaboratively

Building a Sense of Community

A positive climate where the teacher modelsWordsActionsOpennessEmpathyThoughtfulness