Problem solving and conflict resolution are some of the most important skills to learn in early childhood years. Parents of alumni often return later to tell us it is these skills that aided their child in the elementary school years. We strive to teach children that they can be problem solvers and resolve conflicts. Problems and conflicts are a normal part of life, from young children though adults. We aren't trying to teach children to avoid these conflicts. Instead we seek to teach them strategies to address them.When a child graduates from preschool, we want them to be confident and competent problem solvers, with at least 5 strategies at the ready. We want them to know which to use for any given situation, and we want them to use them skillfully. This week, we'll introduce the poster below to the children and use a series of activities to support learning the strategies. We'll have games, dramatic play, and all sorts of activities designed to help your child internalize each of the strategies.
We invite you to join us by using the same language and strategies at home. Check you child's mail box for a copy of the poster, so you can post it at home and ask your children to teach you what they've learned. Be sure to let us know how you are using it.
We love this chart. We have it posted prominently in our house. I was just telling Lauri today how Noah has really internalized these things. A month or so ago when we were at the playground there was a group of girls being unkind to Noah, Eli and their friends. Noah firmly told them to "stop" and when he reported to me he told me how he was standing up for himself.
ReplyDeleteI agree Mara. Mia got to experience these problem solving techniques last year and I think they are fabulous!!!!! Glad to hear they are doing them again in the wonderful Tel Aviv class!
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