Conflict Resolution

A few weeks ago, we had our fall break, so we had a short week. Which turned out well, since we are getting to the point of the year where the students are getting to feel more comfortable with me and school, and as such, start to let down their guards and let their true selves come out. This is always a two sided situation. On the one hand, it makes me happy we are starting to build a trusting relationship, but on the other, it always leads to more opportunities for what I like to call “conflict resolution”. Come to think of it, that’s a good thing too. Where else, except a play based preschool, can these conflict resolutions come about organically? Most likely not in a place where the teacher is controlling the learning. It needs to happen when the students are free to interact without interference. These conflict resolutions can happen anywhere at any time. But they almost always revolve around two parties both wanting the same thing. And they are always very uncomfortable for me as a teacher to watch. But I have learned over the years, I need to wait until the time is right before stepping in. And this is different depending on the kids and the situations. Younger kids need more of a direct coaching, like “I see you both want to play with that. How can we solve this?” Almost always, if I wait long enough, someone comes up with the taking turns idea. Older students, especially ones that have come the previous year, don’t need me right at first. They try negotiating on their own, often just coming to me to set the timer for an agreed upon amount of time. Of course, there are times, when the best conflict management is to distract and deter 🙂

We didn’t just spend our time in conflict resolution. We had tons of other fun and learning these last few weeks. We made fall wreaths, spiders, puffy ghosts and jack-o-lanterns.