The purpose of this paper is to discuss the causes and management of school related conflict. The review of relevant literature shows that conflict is an essential and unavoidable human phenomenon because where there is human interaction, there is a likelihood of personal likes and dislikes. These agreements and disagreements among individuals and…

This paper draws from continuing research into the growth of sociability and cooperation in young children. It began in the mid-1980s and has continued periodically in a range of early years educational settings across the 3-6 age range. The research has underpinned the development of an observational tool. This tool--the Social Play Continuum or…

Two third-grade Taiwanese students at risk for emotional and behavioral disorders participated in a pull-out, small-group social skills training program developed to promote their skill acquisition and maintenance. Using a multiple baseline across skills design, the authors demonstrated that both participants made marked performance improvement in…

Although conflict resolution education programs are usually designed to help resolve crises and reduce school disruption, the power of these programs extends far beyond the original purpose of reacting to violence. This article highlights the positive impact of conflict resolution on student relationships and school climates.

Because of the substantial impact on outcomes for children, states and school districts across the country are addressing issues surrounding early learning opportunities and school readiness for young children. Full-day kindergarten plays an important role in both. Colorado has made significant investments in full-day kindergarten as a means of…

Conflict-management programs help students of all ages find peaceable ways to handle disputes. Students most likely to become effective mediators are confident individuals who write clearly, care about others, listen well, and ask appropriate questions. Principles of conflict should be taught along with strategies for settling disputes. A sidebar…

Eighteen maltreated children were paired with nonmaltreated children (ages 3-7 years) for play sessions involving a single desirable object, resulting in generally successful negotiation and approximately equal sharing, though maltreated children appeared somewhat hesitant to engage their partners and were more responsive to partners' indication…

This manual is designed to assist the school and trainers in preparing students to become peer mediators. The program seeks to find peaceful solutions to problems, and recognizes that conflict is a natural process and that students can solve their own problem and are responsible people. The format puts introductory and program startup materials…

It is the position of the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) that all elementary school children should be provided with at least one daily period of recess of at least 20 minutes in length. Various cited organizations support school recess as an integral component of a child's physical, social, and academic development,…

A 1970 essay concerning the laws of temerity, or disregard for danger, is reexamined, and its relevance for contemporary college registrars and admissions officers is discussed. The laws concern apparent and real power on campus, considered vs. intuitive decision making, choice of battle and battleground, creative problem solving, consultation,…

Discusses and illustrates the ways in which early childhood teachers can teach preschoolers about peace. Teachers can implement two simple rules: "Don't hurt anyone," and "Use words to settle problems." Explains how these rules would be implemented in particular preschool situations. (BB)

Suggests looking at group dynamics when managing conflicts between children in the classroom. Uses an example from the classroom to demonstrate how teachers can facilitate safe and fair conflict management, increase cooperative behavior, and, as a result, contribute to children's self-esteem. Discusses careful observation in the classroom,…

Written for students of early childhood education and child development as well as for practicing teachers, this book focuses on two basic questions concerning personal/social goals for early childhood education. These questions are (1) What skills do we want to nurture in children? and (2) How do we accomplish these objectives? The text begins…

This paper provides teachers with 35 techniques for promoting preschool children's prosocial development. Research findings that support many of the techniques are cited. Some of the techniques refer to caregivers' personal interactions with individual children or groups, while others target broader systems and require involvement of families,…

Intended for teachers working to improve social skills for young children K-3 who are moving from the self-centered period of early childhood into the other-centered world of the classroom, this book presents a curriculum of social skills, a teaching methodology, and specific lessons drawn from the experience of classroom teachers. The book is…