While preschool programs are certainly valuable, learning to resolve conflict can and should start even earlier than elementary school, according to early childhood education experts from HighScope Educational Research Foundation.
The HighScope Educational Reaserch Foundation, an independent nonprofit research, development, training, and publishing organization located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, was founded in 1970, has developed a conflict resolution approach designed for young children aged 18 months to six year-olds. The approach is based on six simple mediation steps that teachers use with children during emotionally charged conflict situations. The steps are: (1) Approach calmly, stopping any hurtful actions; (2) Acknowledge children's feelings; (3) Gather information; (4) Restate the problem; (5) Ask for ideas for solutions and choose one together; and (6) Be prepared to give follow-up support.
The six steps are used differently depending on the age and developmental levels of the children. With toddlers, the adult observes what is going on and provides much of the language describing both the problem and the solution. On the other hand, preschoolers having a dispute are often able to describe what the problem is and suggest solutions. By the time children reach elementary school, they are often able to serve as mediators for their classmates, once all the children have had experience with the process.
Children's participation and agreement with the process is important, even when children's language skills are limited. A young child may confirm that the adult is on the right track by nodding, answering yes/no questions, or pointing. As children mature, they are able to take over more and more of the process themselves, and eventually are able to do it independently.
However, learning in preschools should be fun which attracts children to enjoy the time and learn at the same time. In the next blogs I will state the way of teaching children in Preschools and the criteria for preschools selection. I hope to see your valuable comments in order to stay in the track of my blog title " Let's Learn More"
I believe that us parents are a child's first teacher and most important teacher. I believe that a child has a huge benefit from attending preschool before they enter kindergarten. A child will not only have better social skills and more knowledge but will have an easier time adapting to school. Did you know that a child develops his or her self esteem by the age of 5 years old? That is why it is so important to pay attention to your child's needs and listen to his or her voice. Sorry I am getting to you so late on this but I have had a hard time being able to post any comments on others blogs. thanks, ashley
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