Conflict Resolution
Because of our conflict resolution programs at Lloyd, our
kids feel safe and good about themselves. This helps them to do
better academically.
There are three conflict resolution programs at
Lloyd.
Peer Mediation
The Team Building Bridge
Second Step
"Lloyd initiated the first elementary mediation program
in Milwaukee. It has been in place since 1986, and it is still going
strong"
Peer
Mediation
Mediation is a form of voluntary conflict resolution that is used
daily at Lloyd Street School. It provides an alternative to violent
or hurtful behavior during a conflict and encourages students to
talk, listen, and arrive at mutual agreements when conflicts do
occur.
Conflict is a part of life. We wouldn't want to eliminate it, but
we are urgently looking for ways to end the violence that causes so
much unnecessary pain and suffering. Conflict resolution helps
children deal with peer pressure and to be able to practice this
decision-making process daily.
We are demonstrating to children that they can have power over
their lives. Students deal with conflicts at home and on the streets
among their friends. Teaching them assertive ways to deal with anger
and peer pressure on an ongoing basis is the focus of the peer
mediation program.
What
is the Role of the Mediator?
The mediator's role is to hear both sides of the dispute and to
overcome emotions that may block a settlement. Mediators do not try
to determine wrong or right. They only help the disputants reach a
settlement that will work for both parties involved. Children are
becoming agents of social change, not social control.
What
is the Mediation Process?
There are four main parts
1. Introduction
Mediators define the ground rules and disputants
agree to work on the conflict.
2. Listening and defining the
problem
Disputants have the opportunity to tell their
side of the story.
3. Asking what each person wants.
Disputants need to say what they want to do about
the conflict before they can work on solutions.
4. Finding solutions and writing the
agreement.
Disputants can now come up with an agreement that
will work for all parties involved. Then a written agreement is
signed.
The
Team Building Bridge
The Team Building Bridge uses the same principles as mediation.
It is a simplified mediation form that teaches all students conflict
solving words. This communication tool is used by the students to
solve a conflict which occurred one time. Peer Mediation is used for
on-going conflicts. The bridge helps the students talk through their
disagreement and agree on a solution. This is actively used in all of
the classrooms.
Second
Step
Second step is an anger management curriculum that is used in all
classrooms at Lloyd Street School. Second Step, taught in 20 minute
lessons, teaches our young children to recognize and understand
feelings, to make positive and effective choices, and to keep anger
from escalating into violence.
It teaches the students three essential social competencies:
- empathy
- impulse control and problem solving
- anger management.
The Second Step program shows our children how to deal with
emotions, resist impulsive behavior, resolve conflict, solve
problems, and understand the consequences of their actions. Children
experience growth in self-confidence and a readiness for academic
learning.
By first identifying their own and others' feelings, children
learn to understand issues that lead to conflicts, and then use
specific problem-solving strategies to resolve and avoid them. They
learn by modeling, practice, and reinforcement.
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