NCJ Number
150345
Journal
School Safety Dated: (Fall 1994) Pages: 12-14
Date Published
1994
Length
3 pages
Annotation
A problemsolving cognitive approach to conflict management is described for use with elementary school students who have learning disabilities.
Abstract
Designed for 3rd and 4th grade students, the curriculum has 13 lessons based on stories about 11 characteristics of psychological depth who live in a fictional place called Hugs Hollow. Each story deals with life issues; for example, one character fears physical harm, another does not have self-esteem, while another is often teased. Followup activities include art projects, role playing, drama, class problemsolving, and evaluation. The course begins with a unit on self-esteem, followed by a lesson on goal setting. After each story, the teacher and class discuss its application to real life. Problemsolving instruction helped students deal with problems they encountered in their daily lives. In a class of 15 children, 13 demonstrated improvement in social skills after completing the curriculum; 11 showed more cooperation, 14 were more assertive, 11 exhibited more self-control, and 13 experienced a decrease in problem behaviors.