1st Grade Classroom Guidance: Getting Help Through Peer Mediation

Washington Elementary School January Lesson #1 30 minute lesson

ASCA National Standards: PS:A1.6 Distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate behavior PS:A2.3 Recognize, accept, respect and appreciate individual differences PS:A2.6 Use effective communications skills PS:A2.7 Know that communication involves speaking, listening and nonverbal behavior PS:B1.2 Understand consequences of decisions and choices PS:B1.4 Develop effective coping skills for dealing with problems PS:C1.7 Apply effective problem-solving and decision-making skills to make safe and healthy choices PS:C1.11 Learn coping skills for managing life events Competencies Addressed: Community Involvement Personal/Social Materials/Resources: Smiling Face talking stick, Beavers vs. Ducks puppets, scripts and puppet theater.

Activities: 1) Smiling Face Talking Stick: Begin in our circle. Who can tell me what a peer mediator is? Do you know how to find one at our school? They are friendly 3rd, 4th and 5th graders who are trained to help you solve problems. That is why we have a smiling face talking stick today. 2) Kelso Wheel Chant: Run through the chant with the actions with them a couple of times. 3) Beavers vs. Ducks Peer Mediator Puppet Show: Have the peer mediators that have trained do the puppet show for the students. 4) Answer Questions: Let the students ask the peer mediators questions. Some things to cover: a. How can they identify a peer mediator? (red badge, ask a recess supervisor or teacher, peer mediator bulliten board) b. Do the mediators solve your problem for you? (No they help you to solve it. They will ask you for ideas, such as those from the kelso wheel to try.). c. What if the person youre arguing with doesnt want to go to a peer mediator? (they can only help if both people want their help) d. What are the ground-rules? (tell the truth, no put-downs, try to solve the problem, and no interrupting)

Evaluation: Perception data: What kinds of questions do the students have for the peer mediators?

American School Counselor Association