Download - Paths to peace
Paths to Peace: Every Child’s Right
to a Peaceful Classroom
PresentersNancy Brasel, University of Central Florida,
Palm Bay [email protected]
Sherron Killingsworth Roberts, University of Central Florida, Orlando [email protected]
Patricia A. Crawford, University of Pittsburgh [email protected]
Peace
…it does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of those things and still be calm in your heart.
--Unknown
Purposes Investigate ways to nurture supportive
classroom communities that demonstrate an ethic of care
Consider practical and proven strategies for helping children to resolve conflicts
Investigate appropriate literacy texts and writing strategies that support and maintain peace as part of a quality education
Strategies for Peaceful Classrooms
BeginningBuilding a Classroom Community
Where everyone is safeWhere everyone belongsWhere everyone is acceptedWhere put-downs, abuse and bullying are not
allowed
HowIdentity and Familiarity rituals (learning names,
family involvement)Team and Trust building exercisesModeling, Encouraging & Noticing Pro-social
Behavior
Safe, peaceful placesComfortable seats
Pleasant scents
Soothing sounds
Soothing sights: water, art, smiles
Teaching Problem Solving Skills
Instead of trying to prevent conflicts, welcome them as opportunities for children to learn to problem solving strategies within a safe environment.
Common steps in any Conflict Resolution program:
Stop the actionIdentify the problemBrainstorm solutions (all suggestions are valid)Agree to try one solution (a win/win solution)Check back to make sure the solution is working
Win/Win Solution
Try B.A.T.S., not batsBreathe deeply
Ask yourself to count to 10
Think of your favorite place
So, “now I am okay, I can handle this”
More strategies:
Peace table or peace chairs (puppets or phones)
Peace Dice Game
Peace Bridge or Peace Path
Peace Formulae Poetry
Peace Literature for Children
Peace Book
Peace BookMaking the connection between peace and
literacy engagement
Building on proximity
Documenting problems, resolutions, and potentials
Peace Book Conflict #1B’s Perspective
Peace Book—Conflict #1K’s Perspective
Peace Book—Conflict #1B’s Resolution
Peace Book—Conflict #1K’s Resolution
Peace Book—Conflict #2Max & M
Conflict #2: Max’s Response
Conflict #2 Resolution
I’m Sorry poem
I’m sorry. I’m sorry, but you can’t make me apologize.
I apologize. I mean, I thought__________________
Really I just____________________ When you probably thought__________
I’m sorry that ___________________ I could see how ______________
Next time, I’ll ___________________ But could you see how_______?
But whatever… Apologies aren’t easy, but let’s be friends
You should know, All over again.
I’m sorry. I’m sorry.
Let’s Give It a Try I feel _________________________.
When you _______________
I wonder ______________________
And I think______________
Could I _______________________?
Could we ______________________?
Come on! Let’s try!
Why don’t we _______________?
We can do this together!
A Peace Poem for Us
You are ________________(either a relationship or an adjective).
I am __________________ (either a relationship or an adjective)
Your favorite words seem to be____________________________
My favorite words seem to be _____________________________
You make me _________, ___________, _____________ (three things).
I make you ___________, ___________, ______________(three things).
Even though we see things differently,
Even though __________________________________(must rhyme with the above line)
Together we can _______________________________________.
Example You are my daughter.
I am definitely your mom.
Your favorite words seem to be, “I never get to do what I want.”
My favorite words seem to be “we’ll see…”
You make me crazy, rushed, and at the same time proud.
I make you rushed, crazy, and pushed to the max.
Even though we see things differently,
Even though we each approach the problem by focusing only on me…
Together we can work it out
And make it right.
Children’s LiteratureReflective quality of children’s literature
Windows and mirrors
Exploring Peace
Modeling Peace
Website Resourceshttp://www.teachingtolerance.org
http://www.peace-ed.org/miami.html
Teacher Attitudes and Skills
Being aware of tone of voice
Listening and taking kids seriously
Enjoying the job
Appreciating uniqueness
Uncovering hidden talents of students
Developing attitudes of ________
Having a sense of humor
Respecting Students
Involving students
Employing forgiveness
Barriers & Builders Barriers
Assuming
Rescuing/Explaining
Directing
Expecting
Adultisms
Builders
Checking
Exploring
Inviting/Encouraging
Celebrating
Respecting
Pathways to peaceful classrooms
“Maybe our classrooms can be nicer than the outside world.” Vivian Gussin Paley
