Customer Reviews

Teaching Conflict Resolution Through Children's Literature (Grades K-2)

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While taking a graduate class in conflict resolution and peacebuilding, I was first introduced to the name William J. Kreidler, the author of this book. I became interested in learning more about this advocate for helping children in today's world to work through their conflicts without violence. Having now read his book, I am very excited to have a "teacher-friendly" curriculum guide in hand to help me with conflict resolution in my classroom. The literature and ideas presented in this resource are geared for grades K-2. Through the use of language-rich children's literature, the author gives the teacher wonderful ways to teach the concepts of diversity, problem-solving, conflict-solving, caring, respect and community. I would highly recommend this book! I can't wait to put these ideas to use!

We are a homeschooling family with 3 boys (ages 8,5, and 1). Recently it seems that more and more conflicts turn into name calling and fights. As we were studying Martin Luther King, Jr., in observance of his birthday, we took advantage of the opportunity to emphasize peaceful conflict resolution. I found a webpage that recommended this book. I am very pleased with the approach. The homeschooling environment is ideal for this approach because I can reinforce the ideas throughout the day as conflicts arise. We are only a few chapters into the book so I can't vouch for the long-lasting effects, but when I interrupt a conflict to point out how the involved parties are "moving up the conflict escalator" and to ask how they can get off of it, it gives them a chance to think (and cool off). Just giving them that opportunity is teaching them to respond rather than react, which I think is a great accomplishment. And they do actually engage in the conversation. (I sort of thought they might just roll their eyes.) I am getting most of the books from the library, however I have not been able to find some. That's really the only drawback. It's disappointing not to be able to do some of the exercises that are mapped out because I can't borrow the book. But there are many alternative books listed (without the accompanying exercises). My kids love the recommended books and ask to read them repeatedly. Many are new to me, and I consider myself to be fairly familiar with children's literature. If you are trying to give children new skills to resolve conflict, I think you would be pleased with this purchase.

I use this book every year as my Conflict Resolution curriculum in an early elementary public school. You do have to purchase some recommended books (they are fairly commom, and may be available in your school library) in order to use this curriculum, but it is worth it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!