|
Marengo
Ranch has had a strong Conflict Management Program since
the school opened. The Outreach Consultant and two
teachers coordinate the program to provide playground
helpers who have been trained in conflict resolution
skills.
Students
are chosen through a "natural helper" survey
completed by their peers. This survey determines the
students in 4th and 5th grades that other students trust,
deem responsible, have good friendship skills and whom
they would seek if they had a problem.
The
annual training teaches students to assist only with
verbal conflicts, never physical conflicts. It
emphasizes listening skills and teaches them how to
facilitate communication between the two students
having a conflict, thereby mediating the conflict.
Additional training and team-building sessions are held
throughout the year.
The
actual conflict management process is voluntary, as the
Conflict Managers offer help, but students are not
mandated to use the process. Conflict Managers generally
"have duty" once a week at lunch recess with
a younger grade level to teach better communication skills
and ways of handling anger at an early age. The Conflict
Managers assist the Yard Duty staff who cannot listen
to all the issues that arise because they must constantly
be scanning the playground for problems.
Without
our Conflict Management Program many more students would
have conflicts that escalate, resulting in office
referrals and suspensions. It is truly a prevention
program, reinforcing important life skills that are
also taught in the classroom.
|
