Our Approach to Conflict Resolution Our PlayHouse Preschool 2010 At Our PlayHouse, we view conflict as a natural part of working

together in our community. We approach conflicts positively, supporting the development of communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills in young children. Conflicts are an opportunity for growth as children develop social skills and build their relationships with others. As teachers, we believe that each conflict is unique and influenced by a variety of factors. In order to develop a caring community, our approach is guided by several key principles. Our Vision of the Young Child We believe children are equal participants in their own learning We believe children are capable and competent We believe children are creative and have unique visions We believe children are communicators and have a desire for connection We believe children have rights and deserve freedom and responsibility We believe children deserve appropriate boundaries and limits set for them We believe children deserve security and stability Encouraging Community Throughout the school year, we focus on principles of kindness, respect and cooperation. In our younger classrooms, teachers develop curriculum that supports caring behaviors (such as taking care of baby dolls, planting seeds, or cleaning up messes). As children grow older they are encouraged to take care of our school by participating in jobs and using materials in appropriate ways. We describe our materials and spaces as things to be shared, and encourage child directed turn-taking. In our older classrooms, we use gathering times to discuss multiple perspectives to a problem, and engage in processes of negotiation. Throughout our day, when children naturally exhibit kind or cooperative behavior, teachers provide support through verbal recognition of their efforts. Kindness Principles We take care of ourselves We take care of each other We take care of our materials and the school community Conflict Resolution Steps Recognize the problem: Each child has an opportunity to describe what happened. Recognize the feelings involved: Empathy is encouraged as teachers model caring language, having each child notice the feelings of their peer(s). Teachers remind children of kindness principles. Problem-solve solutions: Children (and teachers) suggest ideas of what they want

to happen differently next time, teaching new skills and building self-esteem Re-directing behavior to meet the childs need in a positive way, so that they can be successful in play