Conflict or disagreement is normal and often happens when children get together. However, hurtful words, gestures, or physical attacks are unacceptable ways to deal with conflict and disagreement at school.
This year at the Primary Center, we have implemented an exciting new conflict management program entitled Kelso’s Choice. This program features a frog named Kelso who teaches students to differentiate between SMALL PROBLEMS they can try to solve on their own and BIG PROBLEMS that are scary, dangerous, or can cause someone to get hurt. Our goal is to teach students several positive ways to deal with these difficult situations.
Before school started this year, each teacher at the Primary Center was trained on program implementation, and during the first two weeks of school I went to each classroom twice to help students learn how to use the process outlined below.
For BIG PROBLEMS, the students have been trained to immediately go to a grown-up they trust for assistance.
We have asked students who have SMALL PROBLEMS to try at least two of the following ideas:
1. Go to another game or activity.
2. Share and take turns.
3. Respectfully talk it over and listen to each other.
4. Walk away from the problem.
5. Ignore the problem behavior.
6. Tell the person to stop the problem behavior.
7. Apologize.
8. Make a deal or compromise.
9. Wait to cool off.
This process can be done before asking for adult help. When a request for adult help is made, it will include the two ideas tried: “Mrs. Jones, Tad is teasing me about my glasses. I tried ignoring him, and I’ve told him it hurts my feelings when he makes fun of me. He’s still calling me names.” At this point, the adult at school will get involved and help solve the problem by following the classroom discipline plan. Of course, the adult will immediately handle any serious conflicts, BIG PROBLEMS, that cause a child to feel threatened or frightened.
By using this plan, we believe that our students will develop effective problem-solving skills that they can use again and again. It will help them to deal with conflict in a positive manner and to make appropriate decisions. Knowing what to do will help students reduce the stress and number of conflicts they have at school and in their neighborhood.
Colorful charts illustrating ways to deal with conflict are posted throughout the school so all children will know their choices. We encourage you to become familiar with this program and use it in your home. By working together, we can develop a healthy life skill for young people to use at home and at school. It has been exciting to already see the program working! The students are so proud of themselves when they have chosen to use Kelso’s Wheel and solve their own SMALL PROBLEMS.
Sincerely,
Merideth Brock
Administration
Elementary School Calendar