OCTOBER — Conflict Resolution Month

October is “Conflict Resolution Month” in the elementary schools!  Learning good conflict resolution skills gives students tools for handling everyday conflicts rather than physical fighting, name-calling, complaining to the teacher, or simply withdrawing.  Students become aware of their choices in conflict situations, and are enabled to approach the conflicts in their lives with greater confidence and independence.

Introducing these skills to young children serves two important goals.  First, the classroom becomes a more peaceful and productive environment where students and teacher together can focus more easily on the real business of learning and having fun.  Second, students gain essential life skills that contribute to a well-rounded education; skills that will benefit them not just at school, but also at home, in their neighborhoods, and in their future roles as world-wide citizens.

It is also important for students to learn to define conflict:

• Everyone has conflict
• A conflict is a disagreement between people.  When people want different things or have different ideas, they may have a conflict.
• Conflict is a normal and natural part of life.  No one is bad because they have a conflict.
• Conflict can be positive.  If we talk about our differences we can learn new and better ways to respond to problems, build better relationships, learn more about ourselves and others.  Both people in a conflict can feel like winners.

On the Pudong side, we have been learning about “Kelso’s Choices: Conflict Management for Children”.  The program philosophy is simple: Each child is smart enough and strong enough to resolve conflict.  Some of these skills include “Talk it out”, “Ignore”, and “Make a deal.” 

Students also learn to identify the difference between small problems (one they can handle) and big problems (those that require the assistance of an adult).  On the Puxi side, students learn a “Bag of Tricks” for handling conflicts.  Students in Grades 4 and 5 will also be watching a DVD which addresses the conflicts that result from bullying.  They will learn skills such as how to show confidence, use their best judgment, and follow their instincts.  Both campuses use lots of rich children’s literature to reinforce these concepts and learn about good social behavior. We encourage you to discuss conflict resolution with your children, and, as always, if you have any questions or concerns, please let us know. 

 ES Pudong Campus “Counselor Café”

On November 12, 9–100am (prior to the PTSA meeting) we will host our second Counselor Café for elementary parents.  At this session, the SAS Child Protection Policy will be presented.  In addition, we will be giving an overview of the Parent Resources that are available here at SAS.  Future topics will be discussed, so come with your ideas.  We hope to see you all there!

Puxi Campus Counselors    
Eileen Knobloch Pre-K-1     
Paul Stambaugh 2 & 3     
Kristina Anderson 4 & 5

Pudong Campus Counselors
Jeanine Merrill Pre-K-3
Ed Woods 3-5