Times Advocate, 1995-11-15, Page 15* Xmas Party Wear
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November 15, 1995
Peacemakers learn skills they
take beyond the playground
Conflict resolution is having an impact on the way student approach problems
Heather Mir T -A staff
EXETER - An initiative throughout the elementary panel in
Huron County and across Ontario to introduce peer conflict
resolution has been adopted by several local schools.
Peacemaker programs teach students to resolve their own
disputes though a series of eight steps including a cool -off time,
setting ground rules, discussing the problems and arriving at a
solution both disputants agree to try.
Students from Exeter and Usborne Public schools began
peacemaker programs last year, training volunteer students in
grades six and seven to help mediate minor conflicts on the
schoolground during recess and lunch breaks. By helping to
resolve conflicts themselves, students learn valuable skills they
carry over into other aspects of their lives.
"We are bringing up citizens that can solve their own
probtems," said Judy Mills, Exeter PS teacher and peacemaker
coordinator.
At EPS. peacemakers encourage younger students to engage
in non-competitive games to help stop problem before they
start. If a conflict does occur, peacemakers attempt to help
combatants resolve their problem without the involvement of an
adult. I€azerious problem arises or someone in injured, a
peacemaker finds an adult for help.
According to Mills, most students prefer to take their conflict
to an fellow student than an adult. Peacemakers reduce the
need for every small problem to be dealt with by a staff
member by shifting some of the responsibility to the students.
Although each school tailors its program to the unique needs
of its students, the basic concept for peaceful resolution of
problems is the same. Peacemakers monitor the playground in
pairs and each has a clipboard to help remind them of the steps
in peer mediation.
The characteristics of a good peacemaker include an interest
in working with people and good communication skills such as
being a good listener, making eye contact and reading body
language. Peacemakers develop trust by paying attention,
respecting disputants and being calm, patient and friendly.
Good peacemakers maintain confidentiality and neutrality.
Peacemakers receive instruction by qualified staff members
who have taken a three day Conflict Resolution and Anger
Management training course with Dr. Connie Edwards, a
conflict resolution consultant. The staff training is subsidized
by the Huron County Board of Education and local businesses
and service clubs also help the program by donating food
during training sessions or funding clothing which identify
peacemakers.
"Above all, students learn to communicate and listen
effectively. They learn that problems can be solved through
discussion rather than physically or verbally abusive means,"
said Michelle Beaulac, Usborne School teacher and
peacemaker coordinator.
The Peacemakers Program at Usborne Public School started this
year on Monday morning during recess. Amanda Stephens and
'Heather Morgan, both grade 6 students volunteered to be
peacemakers on the playground where they help peers resolve
conflicts by following a series of eight st- •s leading
to an agreed solution.
OUR HUMAN RIGHTS
I have a right to be Happy and to be treated with Compassion
This means that no one will
Laugh at me or Hurt my feelings
I have a right to be Safe in this school
This means that no - one will
Hit Me
Kick Me
Push Me
Pinch Me
or Hurt Me
I have a right to Learn according to my own Ability
This means no - one will Call me Names because of the way I Learn.
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