NCJ Number
160364
Date Published
1994
Length
80 pages
Annotation
This guide is designed to help elementary school teachers understand the dynamics of conflict and its peaceful resolution, as well as develop a classroom program of peer mediation for the processing of student conflicts.
Abstract
The information in the guide is based on the premise that children, given the necessary instruction and direction, are capable of solving their own problems and conflicts in a creative and cooperative manner. Following a discussion of the modeling of collaborative problem-solving skills to the students, the guide discusses the nature of conflict and its positive as well as negative characteristics. An overview of the nature of feelings is followed by discussions of communication techniques, such as communicating in an assertive but non-threatening manner, active listening, and listening skills for defusing anger. Fundamental principles for solving conflicts are then presented, followed by guidelines for role-play. Sixteen lesson plans pertinent to conflict resolution and peer mediation are presented. Each lesson plan contains a subject title, purpose, the materials needed, discussion guidelines, exercises, and activities. Materials, resources, and samples for the lessons are also included in the guide.