Paths to Peace: Every Child’s Right to a

Peaceful Classroom

Presenters

Nancy Brasel, University of Central Florida, Palm Bay nbrasel@mail.ucf.edu

Sherron Killingsworth Roberts, University of Central Florida, Orlando skrobert@mail.ucf.edu

Patricia A. Crawford, University of Pittsburgh pcrawfor@pitt.edu

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

Beginning Building a Classroom Community

Where everyone is safe

Where everyone belongs

Where everyone is accepted

Where put-downs, abuse and bullying are not allowed

How

Identity and Familiarity rituals (learning names, family involvement)

Team and Trust building exercises

Modeling, Encouraging & Noticing Pro-social Behavior

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 action

Identify the problem

Brainstorm 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

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

Safe, peaceful places Comfortable seats

Pleasant scents

Soothing sounds

Soothing sights: water, art, smiles

Try B.A.T.S., not bats Breathe deeply

Ask yourself to count to 10

Think of your favorite place

So, “now I am okay, I can handle this”

More strategies:

BATS poster

Peace table or peace chairs (puppets or phones)

Peace Dice Game

Peace Bridge or Peace Path

Peace Formulae Poetry

Peace Book

Peace Book Making 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 Literature Reflective quality of children’s literature

Windows and mirrors

Exploring Peace

Modeling Peace

Website Resources http://www.teachingtolerance.org

http://www.peace-ed.org/miami.html

Pathways to peaceful classrooms

“Maybe our classrooms can be nicer than the outside world.” Vivian Gussin Paley