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| Didax "Class Ideas" Newsletter Archive |
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Just this morning, I had an argument with my little daughter over what wrapping paper to use for her cousin's birthday present. Conflict is everywhere, for us grown-ups, we experience it at home and at work, even among our friends and family. Kids also experience it at school. Resolving these conflicts is very important to keeping a harmonious classroom. And think, the more your students know about resolving conflicts themselves, the easier your job becomes.
This issue of Class Ideas offers an article covering the basics of conflict resolution, some great Internet resources, downloadable activities for a broad range of grades, and of course, a subscriber-only special. I hope you find it useful and practical for your classroom and that it helps bring some conflicts to an end.
Please note that the next issue of Class Ideas will arrive in your mailbox at the end of July. I'm planning a big issue jam-packed with resources to help you prepare for the busy Back to School season.
Thanks for reading.
Anna Mullen, Editor |
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| An Introduction to Conflict Resolution |
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 Conflict is part of everyday life. Unfortunately, many people lack the skills to resolve conflict fairly. Teaching students conflict resolution skills can not only turn conflict into a positive experience for everyone involved, it can also create a caring school atmosphere, promote problem-solving skills, and encourage peace.
What is conflict resolution?
Conflict resolution is a process that directs responsibility for solving a conflict to the people involved. Clear steps are followed to achieve a solution that suits both parties. These are:
? Defining the problem
? Brainstorming possible solutions
? Agreeing on the best solution
? Putting the best solution into action
In schools, students faced with opposing viewpoints will often go to a teacher to sort out a conflict and decide on a solution. Instead, students should be encouraged to use conflict resolution to resolve minor conflicts such as name-calling, spreading rumors, taking property without asking, teasing, and invading personal space. The conflict resolution process teaches students that conflict need not be a negative experience, but can motivate change and provide positive opportunities. Two approaches to conflict resolution are negotiation and peer mediation.
What is negotiation?
Negotiation is the problem-solving process used to resolve conflict. The goal of negotiation is to create a solution the conflicting parties agree to.
Before a negotiation meeting, the people involved should think carefully about what they will say. The parties then meet in a quiet, neutral place, for example, a ?negotiating table? in a corner of the classroom. The conflict is identified and an agreement to resolve it is made.
An important part of the negotiation process is using ?I? statements to describe wants and needs. When describing wants and needs, students should speak calmly and give reasons to back their statements. When listening to someone else, they should demonstrate active listening through positive feedback and eye contact.
Effective negotiation relies on clear communication, problem-solving skills, showing respect, and finding a win-win solution.
What is peer mediation?
Peer mediation is used when conflicting parties have tried to solve a conflict on their own but cannot agree on a fair solution. A neutral third student is then asked to help.
Peer mediation should only be attempted in a school where staff and students have attended a training course. As not all students have the personality to be effective mediators, students who are to be trained in the process should be chosen carefully.
Peer mediators are trained to:
? Use conflict resolution steps to help two people solve a problem
? Listen to both sides of the story
? Use a consistent approach to solving problems
? Be impartial
? Attack the problem, rather than the people involved
? Encourage the conflicting parties to treat each other with respect
How can conflict resolution be implemented?
Schools that have implemented conflict resolution programs report that conflicts are being handled more quickly, physical fighting is declining, and more caring behavior is displayed.
The first step in implementing conflict resolution programs is to create a cooperative classroom and school environment where rules, rights, and responsibilities are clearly stated, and where students feel able to say what they feel. The school should also hold the belief that social skills are as important as academic skills.
You can also:
? Inform parents of conflict resolution steps and ask them to support the program by encouraging their children to use conflict resolution steps to solve problems at home
? Introduce mediation training courses for students and staff
? Teach students how to deliver ?I? statements correctly
? Hang charts with conflict resolution steps in the classroom and around the school
? Create a ?negotiating corner? in the classroom |
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| Conflict Resolution Internet Resources |
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 To help you prepare your conflict resolution program, we have found some great websites which provide information and activity ideas for your classroom. |
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| Free Conflict Resolution Activities |
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 This month's downloadable lessons come from Didax's brand new series, Conflict Resolution. The books help students learn about what conflict is, what causes conflict, and what they can do to resolve it. To give them a try in your classroom, simply download these sample pages, photocopy, and pass out to students! |
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| Summer Newsletter Theme: Gearing Up for School |
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 The next issue of Class Ideas, coming in late July, will provide you with great ideas and resources to help you get the next school year off to a super start. Don't miss it! |
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