Have youth think individually and record their views about a particular issue. Then have them share their ideas with one another. Teachers/parents can foster careful listening by having youth be responsible for representing their partners in a group share-out and discussion. The act of sharing another person’s ideas builds compassion and collaboration. By entrusting our …
Adults often talk too much and our youth tune out. A silent signal speaks louder than words. Smile and point to the shoes that need to be picked up; use a consistent signal or sound that quiets a room; when you feel upset, put your hand on your heart to show youth that you care …
A strategy for people to use when they see potential for solutions but don’t feel comfortable or safe bringing their ideas up publicly. A form of shuttle diplomacy is asking one of the people in a conflict, “Have you considered…?” or “What if you tried…?” in order to encourage them to share their ideas.
What do we want to see in our community, classroom or home? Identify shared rules together. Call them “peace actions” or ask individuals what they want to call them. Individuals should select no more than 5 rules and should review them every day. Post these peace actions in a prominent place, and refer to them …
Make a storyboard of a particular event in history that involves a social injustice (slavery, women’s rights, settlers coming to America, Hawaiian history). Have youth create a supporting narrative and present to the class, highlighting the social injustice and how it may have been prevented. Display storyboards and have the youth do learning walkabouts while …
Find current events that may be similar to situations occurring in school or the home. For example, if youth discrimination, violence or mistreatment is an issue, find a current event that involves these issues. Deconstruct what happened—how does it apply to the current situation in our school or home? In addition to connecting school/home with …
Identify the things that everyone in a group needs to resolve problems. Identify how decisions will be made in families, schools and workplaces to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and heard.
An international evidence-based early childhood (age 3-5 years) program started in Canada in 2005 as the “younger sibling” of the Roots of Empathy K-8 program. The mission is to raise social/emotional understanding and literacy, and develop empathy in the youngest of children. See: seedsofempathy.org.
Teach youth the importance of face-saving in a conflict. Teach them how to calm themselves or another angry person through deep breathing and validation of their needs. Restate the needs or issues involved in the conflict if the person has trouble understanding. Don’t be remembered as the person that “lost it” and let their emotions …
Ensure there is always a safe space for conversation. This is a space to gather, a place that honors, respects and makes people feel they can collaborate safely inside. Safe spaces also need to be developed for youth after school to ensure they have a safe place to be, away from any violence of their …