PEACEMAKERS ARE TRAINED TO WORK WITH STUDENTS TO HELP RESOLVE CONFLICTS
Peace Paths are painted on our playground in 3 locations! When students have a conflict, peacemakers help them to literally and physically walk the path to peace. Peace paths are “life-size” (4′ x 13′) and students slide step by step along this courageous journey in order to peacefully resolve their conflicts. Having the peace path as a permanent part of the playground allows students to use the path and the communication tools on their own.
Here is how our students work through the process of peace making (you may see some of these strategies at home):
- “I” Messages are the essential communication tool
- “The Clean-Up”: takes students beyond, “I’m sorry” and connects their behavior with another's feelings
- “Stop & Breathe”: an important decision making and de-escalation skill
- Teamwork: Peacemakers learn the value of working together
- Leadership: Peacemakers are leaders in their community