By:John C. O'Connell
Bullying, conflict resolution, learning respect for others: all subjects as important in today's classrooms as reading and arithmetic. How children tolerate and appreciate their peers' opinions can make a big difference in how they get along with each other now, and how well students learn to be considerate of other kids' feelings may affect their ability to form healthy, constructive relationships as adolescents and adults.
Valley Stream School District 24 is taking active measurers to make sure children learn the values of listening to others, working with others as teammates, and developing the life-long lessons of mutual respect, inclusion and sharing.
"Our goal is to deal in a proactive way with the day-to-day problems children face as they move from childhood to adolescence," said the district's Diana Pirrone. With the use of federal and state grants for the program, Pirrone has brought in education and business consultant Maureen Florio, of Valley Stream, to design and teach an entire series of age-appropriate lessons in conflict resolution, such as "Working it out, tools for everyday peacemakers."
A visit to classes at the William L. Buck school reveal the district-wide program's results.
"When we have an argument about what to do, we just decide to do something we both want to do instead," said Lisell, a second grader during a session with Florio about opinions and feelings. Jacqueline, another student in teacher Jamie Brunjes' class, spoke of her method of resolving conflict: "If one person has blocks and another person has toys, maybe we can make a new game by combining the two things and playing together instead of playing each one alone."
"Don't say things in a mean way," was Jordan's suggestion to make sure others don't get hurt by things we say. Steven said that if two kids want to play two different games, why not "split the time," and play one and then the other rather than having to leave one player out. Danielle said that when there's disagreement about what game to play, "why not take a vote" to decide.
When Florio asked for more suggestions about how to get along better, one child offered that, "We should talk one at a time." Another said the simply insightful truth: "We should listen to each other."
