Beyond Classroom Conflict in Elementary School
Move beyond conflict in the classroom to gain more positive time with your students!
Elementary children will resolve conflicts on their own.
Unfortunately, this usually creates a new conflict because they respond to the conflict by hitting, name calling, complaining, pushing, etc.
Most often, the other child will respond the same way.
Then everyone goes home to complain to a parent.
Now, parents are upset with you for allowing this problem.
You may not have even been aware of the issue you are now responsible for.
You can CHANGE this cycle:
Stop the conflict early on by changing the FIRST reaction to conflict. When children communicate appropriately about a conflict, the subsequent conflicts are avoided. Because the child is satisfied with the results, the parents are content as well.
You can control the conflict in your classroom by an approach to communication skills that is simple enough for children to use.
You will teach children three appropriate reactions to conflict.
Children will learn which reaction is the right choice for their conflict.
Teachers become a coach, helping the children use the correct response to a conflict.
Children communicate positively and clearly with one another. This eliminates the need for fighting, gossiping, grudges and name calling.
Relationships become stronger after a conflict is resolved appropriately.