The Bo N'Daber theme for April was conflict resolution. We discussed the many conflicts in which second graders find themselves. We discovered that every conflict had a similarity - they all occurred at times there was no teacher around. Most of the time, the conflicts happened on the playground or at other unstructured play times. Sometimes, we realized we got into conflicts when we worked with partners on school projects. Here is a list of the conflicts that second graders get into:
   1. At recess - when teams aren't fair
   2. At play times - when someone feels excluded
   3. At play times - when we argue about the rules of a game
   4. At play times - when someone feels excluded
   5. When someone uses hurtful or mean words
   6. During a misunderstanding
   7. When answers are right or wrong

After we determined the sources of conflicts, we worked together to come up with some solutions to use to solve the conflict, Our goal is to find tools for us to use so we can solve the conflict ourselves, without asking a teacher for help. Of course, we know that if we can't solve the problem ourselves, our teachers are always available to help us.

Here is our list of solutions:
   1. Use "I" messages to let the other person know how we feel
   2. Take turns choosing
   3. Mix up the players for teams so the teams aren't always the same
   4. Walk away
   5. Remember that this is about playing and we shouldn't spend our time arguing
   6. Compromise so everyone gets a little of what they want
   7. Play rock, paper, scissors to find a solution

This month in morning meeting, we discussed our support system. We explained that a support system is kind of like crutches that you use when your leg has been hurt. These crutches help support your feelings and self esteem. We came up with many people who are in our support system: our parents, grandparents, siblings, pets, teachers, friends, and, most importantly, ourselves.

Discuss this idea with your children - who do they turn to when they are upset? How do each of these people help them?