Both the weather and the children cooperated on Friday, August 29th, as we loaded the bus and headed for Lake Elmo State Park.  This is the setting for the annual training of fourth graders as they take on a new responsiblity as conflict managers on the playground.  We begin the day with group building exercises such as group juggling and the infamous group sit.  From there Lisa Woodruff, the MPA psychologist, takes the children through some discussion of what conflict actually is and how best to solve it.  Later in the day we break into small groups where the students practice "I messages," active listening, and reading body language.

  After a lunch break and mingling on the playground we finally introduce the children to the steps involved in leading students through a conflict resolution. Then the children get in small groups and practice their skills.  More training and practice will take place back at school so that the fourth graders are confident about their role as conflict managers and then they are put into pairs to help out each day during recess.

Though the day is fun it is also full of worthwhile skills that can be used not only on the playground but hopefully throughout life.  It is one of the ways that we help build independence in our fouth graders and they take their responsibilities very seriously.  We reinforce these same problem solving skills with all the children always emphasizing solving conflicts verbally.  This helps the recess at MPA to be more inclusive and provides an atmosphere where all children can feel safe.

Thanks to all the adults who spend the full day with the students and to the fourth graders who invest time and energy into becoming helpful conflict managers.

Nansee Greeley
Lower School Director