WHY PEER MEDIATION?
Conflict is a normal part of life for all people. Students in elementary schools get involved in lots of conflicts during recess, on the bus and in the classrooms. Sometimes, these conflicts work out because the people involved can talk to each other and work together. At other times, things don't work out at all. People fight, argue, walk away upset and lose trust for one another. That is where peer mediation can help!
Peer Mediation is part of a conflict resolution program that is designed to develop non-violent problem solving approaches. Mediation provides an emphasis on listening to others' points of view and the peaceful resolution of differences; and assist in preparing students to live and work in a multicultural world.
The Peer Mediators are fourth grade students who are specially trained to help other students in conflict. They are neutral, not taking sides, and they use the mediation process to help people listen to one another, understand each other and solve problems together. With the use of the program, students learn that there are alternatives, other than aggressive behaviors, that can be used for solving personal problems or resolving interpersonal conflicts.
Our fourth grade students trained for one day at the beginning of the year, learning the skills to help foster a positive peer mediation. Our student representatives this year are Ryan Bovee, Samantha DeLain, Ethan Diehl, Cade Hartfiel, Lauren Huggins, Alex Kastner, Amelia Linder, Parker Meidam, John Mertz, Hailey Meyer, and Ellie Skalla.
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