Excitement was everywhere this week due to multiple birthday celebrations (i.e cupcakes!) and the upcoming holiday break. During such exciting times we rely on some of our peace activities. Peace education is a key component of our Lower Elementary learning environment. As teachers we model peaceful, respectful behavior. We have a peace ceremony each morning before our work cycle begins. A student lights a peace candle and starts a peace greeting which is passed from child to child. We also have a peace table in the classroom where a child can sit and choose from a variety of peaceful activities. Conflict resolution is addressed during our afternoon community meetings. A class problem is discussed and solutions are designed by the students. The problem and solution are monitored by the students for several weeks to track progress. If needed, alternative solutions are designed to solve the problem. Individual problems among students are addressed individually using the child's self constructed wheel of choice. The wheel of choice is presented at the beginning of the year to help children navigate through conflict resolution and is a part of our schoolwide Positive Discipline curriculum. It is pure joy to be a part of such a wonderful learning environment.
"Establishing lasting peace is the work of education..." Maria Montessori
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