Conflict Resolution
Conflict Resolution
An emphasis in many of our classroom guidance lessons during the last nine weeks was in the area of conflict resolution and expressing feelings appropriately. We have reinforced the importance of using I-messages to our students when they have negative feelings toward someone else. It can be an empowering experience and an effective communication tool when delivered with calmness, confidence and respect. We have encouraged them to state the I message with the other person’s name and then fill in the blanks of the following template: I feel_____________ ( angry, sad or whatever they feel) when you___________(the behaviors). Please________________(whatever the student would like for them to do differently). That is the basic one but we have also given some other variations of I statements. We have stressed the value of truly listening in order to get along well with others as well as in the instructional setting. We identified behaviors that aren’t helpful in dealing with conflicts such as name calling, blaming and making excuses. A rule offered for fighting fair was attacking the problem rather than the person.
In our lessons on feelings and anger management, we have told the students that they can’t always help how they feel but they can control how they act. We further explained that there are healthy and unhealthy ways to deal with negative feelings. Several strategies on coping with anger and stress were explained and practiced such as taking slow deep breaths, counting slowly, exercising, taking care of our bodies through nutrition and rest, and changing the way we look at things to name a few. And of course, talking about it can definitely ease the tension one feels.
Classroom Guidance Topics:
3rd Nine Weeks:
Kdg. – Uniqueness, Feelings, Honesty, I statements
1st – Feelings, Trustworthiness, Anger Management
2nd – Empathy, feelings, Anger Management
3rd – Assertiveness, Feelings, Bullying/Teasing
4th – Labeling/Self-Esteem, Bullying/Teasing, Diversity/Tolerance, Listening
5th – Study Skills, Keys to Success/Accountability