CONFLICT RESOLUTION IN THE CLASSROOM

Elementary & JK - Gr 8
High School, Grades 9 - 12
Book Suppliers

Early Childhood Adventures in Peacemaking, 2nd edition by William J. Kreidler and Sandy Tsubokawa Whittall, Educators for Social Responsibility (ESR)* 1999, 406 pp US$24.95.
This award-winning unique activity guide uses games, music, art, drama, and storytelling to teach young children effective, nonviolent ways to resolve conflicts. It gives early childhood caregivers tools for helping young children develop key conflict resolution skills, including communication, cooperation, expressing feelings, managing anger, and appreciating diversity. Preschool-grade 3.

Teaching Young Children in Violent Times: Building a Peaceable Classroom by Diane E Levin. ESR* 1994, 193 pp US$24.95
This curriculum is divided into two parts. Part 1, Establishing the Foundations for Peace, provides information on how to create a peaceable classroom. Dialogues give examples of how to involve children in discussions which help to resolve conflict in the classroom. Part 2, Practical Ideas for Teaching Peace, describes a variety of tools and activities such as class graphs and charts, and cooperative games which help to build community in the classroom. Preschool-Gr 3

Teaching Conflict Resolution Through Literature by WJ Kreidler, Scholastic 1995, ESR*, 112 pp, US$15.
Over 25 children's book titles with discussion questions and activities to help children explore the theme of conflict resolution. K-2

Elementary Perspectives: Teaching Concepts of Peace and Conflict by WJ Kreidler, ESR* 1990 269 pp US$22.50.
More than 80 activities help students define peace, explore justice, learn about conflict and its resolution, understand complex ideas such as prejudice, enemies, propaganda and community, and learn to be caring and socially responsible citizens. K-6.

Creative Conflict Resolution by W.J. Kreidler, Scott, Forseman 1984, ESR*,216 pp US$15.95; or CCRC* Can$18.95.
An immensely practical and useful book, well conceived and organized. Includes over 20 conflict resolution techniques with examples, 14 reproducible work sheets, and over 200 class-tested activities and cooperative games. K-6

Teaching Children to Care: Management in the Responsive Classroom, by Ruth S Charney, Northeast Foundation for Children 1991, ESR*, 304 pp US$29.95
Helps elementary teachers respond effectively to bullying, tattling, teasing, and establish an ongoing curriculum in self control, social participation, and human development. Uses logical consequences; problem-solving class meetings; stressing the deed, not the doer; introducing clear positives; and choosing social arrangement and expectations. K-6

They Don't Like Me: Lessons on Bullying and Teasing from a Pre-School Classroom, by Jane Katch, ESR* 2004, US$14.
This thoughtful and engaging work examines the foundations of teasing and bullying through Jane Katch's reflections on her early childhood classroom. She shares the conversations and insights that help provide keys to understanding this issue. This book offers parents and teachers a sense of the importance to children of ongoing conversations with adults and peers in order to foster a child's sense of what is fair.

Anti-Bias Curriculum: Tools for Empowering Young Children, by Louise Derman-Sparks and the A.B.C. Task Force, NAEYC 1989, ESR*, 150 pp, US$9.80 (while supplies last).
This resource shows early childhood educators how to examine biases, learn how they influence children, and explore ways to reduce, handle, or even eliminate them. It creates an anti-bias environment that is developmentally appropriate. Includes a bibliography, and sections on learning about disabilities, gender identity, racial and cultural differences, and how to resist stereotyping. Preschool-Gr 3

Hearing Everyone's Voice: Educating Young Children for Peace and Democratic Community, edited by Susan Hopkins, publ. by Child Care Information Exchange, PO Box 3249,Redmond, WA 98073-3249, USA, 320 pp, US$45
Children recognize conflict, injustice and bias, but they need to be taught how to sort out their concerns and take action to bring about fairness for all. In this book teachers, parents and children share their struggles to build a democratic community by learning to hear each other, given differences in age, ethnicity, gender, culture and economic background. It integrates peace education, anti-bias perspective, and democratic practice into the curriculum. Pre-school-Gr 3.

Peace Place Posters, by W J Kreidler, ESR*, US$17.45
Create a Peace Place in the classroom. Five colorful posters (17" x 22") illustrate key conflict resolution concepts and processes: active listening, using "I" messages, expressing feelings, managing anger, de-escalating conflict, solving problems. The included Teacher Guide suggests activities for using the posters to develop conflict resolution skills. Gr 3-5.

Kids' Conscious Acts of Peace Poster, ESR*, US$10.
Colorful 24" x 36" poster has 9 panels describing positive steps young people are taking to resolve conflicts in nonviolent and creative ways.

Peace in the Classroom: Practical Lessons in Living for Elementary-Age Children by
Hetty Adams, Peguis Publishers 1994, Conflict Resolution Network Canada (CRN*), 130 pp $16sc.
"Peace in the Classroom" is an entertaining collection of creative activities to use in the classroom to promote peace. A very useable Canadian resource. K-8.

Before Push Comes to Shove: Building Conflict Resolution Skills with Children, by Nancy Carlsson-Paige and Diane E. Levin, Redleaf Press 1998, ESR*, 93 pp US$14.95.
By using the children's book Best Day of the Week as a starting point (see below), Before Push Comes to Shove shows how teachers of young children can begin to build conflict resolution skills with young children in ways that are meaningful to them and embedded in their every day school experiences. Topics range from the basis of conflict resolution to curriculum development. A helpful list of resources. K-6

Best Day of the Week by Nancy Carlsson-Paige, illustrations by Celeste Henriquez, Redleaf Press 1998, ESR*, 28 pp US$10.95.
For Calvin and Angela, trash day is the best day of the week to find great playtime items. But when they end up in a conflict that results in anger and put-downs, they find themselves searching for a way to communicate and arrive at a solution that makes both of them happy. Before Push Comes to Shove (see above) offers adults strategies and methods for teaching children conflict resolution skills. Elementary level.

Teaching Students to Get Along, by Lee Canter and Katia Petersen, 1995. Canter and Associates. P. O. Box 2113, Santa Monica, CA 90407, ph:800-262-4347, 310-395-3221. Distributed in Canada by Mind Resources Inc.*, Kitchener, www.mindresources.com, 1-877-414-6463, 166 pp CAD$22.95.
Reducing conflict and increasing cooperation in K-6 classrooms. Hundreds of ideas for helping students work cooperatively in a positive environment: Guidelines for teaching pro-social behavior. Easy-to-follow lesson plans and activities, reproducible posters, charts... and more.

Peacemaking Skills for Little Kids, for PreK-K, Grade 1; or Grade 2, Peace Education Foundation (PEF)*, US$24.95 for teacher's guide and poster for each of these three grade levels.
Filled with fun activities, games, songs, and puzzles, this delightful curriculum teaches your students the I-Care Rules and important life skills like listening, cooperating, and sharing. Plants the seeds of peace. Three curriculum packages, one each for PreK-K, Gr. 1, Gr. 2. A variety of supporting materials are also available at additional cost, some in French.

Peace Scholars - Learning Through Literature, for Gr 3, Gr 4, PEF*, 65 pp, US$29.95 for teacher's guide and poster for each of these two grade levels.
This curriculum combines outstanding literature with thought-provoking activities to teach students valuable critical thinking skills while enhancing their conflict resolution competency. Students will enjoy the fascinating collection of ethnically diverse stories and folktales in the rich collection. Literature pack of story books and other supporting materials are also available for gr 3 or gr 4. Gr 3, Gr 4.

Creative Conflict Solving For Kids, for Gr 5, PEF*, US$24.95 for teacher's guide and poster.
Forty pages of activities involve studnets into brainstorming, decision making, and critical thinking, and fit easily into into social studies, science and language arts curriculum. The curriculum actively involves students in discovering creative ways to manage conflict. Includes poster Rules for Fighting Fair. Gr 5.

Creating Peace, Building Community, for Gr 6, PEF*, US$24.95 for teacher's guide and poster.
Curriculum includes cultural awareness, community building, and aggression control, gaining self-worth and a strong value system. Gr 6.

Creating Peace, Building Community, guides for Gr 7, by Peace Education Foundation (PEF*), US$24.95 for teacher's guide and poster.
Teaches social responsibility, conflict resolution, pro-social skills. Additional material available for each level. Gr 7.

Fighting Fair, by PEF* 1993, US$24.95 for teacher's guide and poster.
How to resolve conflict within the framework of Dr. Martin Luther King's philosophy of non-violence. Student learn to defuse anger, confront fear, apeak out against injustice. A variety of supporting materials available at additional cost. Gr 8.

Friendly Classroom For A Small Planet ed. By Priscilla Prutzman et al, Children's Creative Response to Conflict Program (CCRC) 1988, 134 pp, CCRC* $21.
An excellent, practical guide for building self-concept, communication, cooperation and conflict resolution. K-6.

He Hit Me Back First, by Eva Fugitt, Jalmar Press, $30 plus 15% p/h from CCRC*
Activities and approaches to help children use their creative imagination to become responsible, self-directing and self-correcting individuals. Guide to removing learning blocks, evoking self-esteem and activating learning potential. Also in French.

Learning The Skills Of Peacemaking: an activity guide for elementary age children, by Naomi Drew, Jalmar Press, CCRC* $23.
Innovative activity guide which brings the skills of peacemaking to life in classroom or home; encourages cooperation and a sense of responsibility. K-8.

We Can Live in Harmony: A Study Unit on Non-Violence, Peaceful Play and Global Conflict for Grades K-3, coordinated by The Marquis Project, #200, 107 - 7th Street, Brandon, Man. R7A 3S5, (204)727-5675, $12 + $2.50 p/h
Many excellent, easily performed activities to help children increase self-confidence, develop communications skills, care for others, cooperate with group, resolve conflict, understand conflict on personal and global level and the role of an individual in global peace. Lists story books for classroom use and resources on global peace, conflict resolution, caring, environment, diversity and tolerance, and cooperation. K-3.

Keeping The Peace: Practising Cooperation and Conflict Resolution with Preschoolers by Suzanne Wichert, CCRC*, $20.
Many concrete and practical suggestions and insights for creating an environment that facilitates creative conflict resolution. Good list of children's books; chapter on war play and alternatives. Ages 2½ - 6.

A Volcano in My Tummy: Helping Children to Handle Anger, by Eliane Whitehouse and Warwick Pudney, NSP*, 80 pp $15.95.
Designed for use with 6 to 13 year-olds, this book helps caregivers distinguish between anger the feeling and violence the behaviour. Offers well-organized activities. Gr 1-8.

The Peaceful School: Models That Work, by Hetty van Gurp, Portage and Main Press 2002, 115 pp, CRN*, $24.
Explores many practical ways that schools can develop a culture of peace, by sharing ideas and approaches from 20 schools across Canada. The original materials, activities, events and other resources they developed are reproduced here, helping students to learn about cooperation, respect, effective communication, diversity, expressing emotion and resolving conflict. Most examples for Gr 1-8.

Conflict Resolution in the Middle School: A Curriculum and Teacher's Guide by William J. Kreidler, ESR* 1997, 384 pp US$38.00,
This highly acclaimed guide features 28 skill-building sections to help students address the conflicts that come with adolescence, teaching active listening, perspective taking, negotiation, and mediation with over 150 classroom-tested activities. Recent additions to the guide include seven implementation models; how to create a classroom for teaching conflict resolution; an infusion section which includes math and science; and an exploration of gender and race. Students learn aboaut conflict through discussion, role-plays, and journal writing. Student workbook and journal are now available at additional cost. Gr. 6-8.

Get It Together, by Tim Erickson, EQUALS 1989, ESR*, 180 pp $19.95.
Gives math teachers materials to introduce and foster cooperative problem solving in their classrooms. Over 100 math problems for groups of 2-6 students, covering a wide range of subject matter and difficulty for grades 4-12.

Ready-to-use Conflict Resolution Activities for Elementary Students, by Beth Teolis, The Centre for Applied Research in Education 1998 CRN* $44.50.
Includes more than 100 lessons and activities for K-6 students. Two other sections cover conflict resolution activities for educators and building the groundwork for conflict resolution.

Classroom Connections is a non-profit organization which produces tested teaching resources for Canadian schools on a variety of topics such as Cultivating Peace, Strangers Becoming Us, Celebrating Diversity. These are printed curricula for elementary and high school classes, many with videotapes and CDs. Available free to schools who have registered with them. Classroom Connections, 31 Cavell Ave., Toronto, ON M4K 1L5, ph: 1-888-882-8854, fax: 416-466-3104, info@classroomconnections.ca, www.classroomconnections.ca

Diversity in Action: Using Adventure Activities to Explore Issues of Diversity with Middle and High School Age Youth, by S Chappelle and L Bigman, with F Hillyer, Project Adventure 1999, ESR*, 415 pp US$32.50.
Over 100 Adventure activities adapted toward issues of diversity- ranging from gender to race to class- and facilitation tips. Background information and discussion guidelines for 13 diversity topics will help you develop a safe atmosphere where all youth will feel respected, valued and listened to. Teachers, afterschool programs, youth groups and others will find this book a valuable tool for empowering young people. Gr 5-8.

School-Age Adventures in Peacemaking, by WJ Kreidler, and L Furlong, ESR* 1996, 330 pp $25.95.
Designed to meet the unique needs of afterschool programs, camps, and recreation centres, this guide contains hundreds of hands-on engaging activities that teach basic conflict resolution skills through cooperative challenges, drama, crafts, music, etc. Easy-to-implement strategies and tips for providers to reduce conflict in their programs and to intervene effectively when conflict does occur. K-6.

Learning to Abolish War: Teaching Toward a Culture of Peace, by Betty Reardon and Alicia Cabezudo, Hague Appeal for Peace, 2002. Now out of print, but available freely to download at website www.haguepeace.org in English, French and other languages. Each of the three booklets is about 70-80 pp.
A new, very useful resource. Part 1 covers rationale and framework of teaching for peace, and learning goals and teaching methods for student teachers; Part 2 has sample lessons for classroom teachers for K-12; Part 3 has guidelines and a model for an in-service workshop, resources and links. Uses the conceptual framework of the Hague Agenda for Peace, with sample learning units for each grade level on war and peace, human rights, ending violent conflict, and disarmament and human security.

Peace Lessons from Around the World, Hague Appeal for Peace, 2006, 777 United Nations Plaza, 3rd floor, New York City, NY 10017, fax: 212-661-2704. US$25 (includes shipping), or download free from www.haguepeace.org
16 lessons from around the world, 144 pp, based on the four strands of the Hague Agenda for Peace and Justice (as used in LAW above) and adding to the lessons in LAW. Includes a wonderful forward by South Africa's former Minister of Education, and a lesson on how to create your own peace lesson by Prof. Betty Reardon. Further peace lessons will be on this website.

Tolerance - the threshold of peace, by Betty Reardon, UNESCO 1997. Order from Renouf Publishing Co, 5369 Canotek Rd, Ottawa K1J 9J8, 22.87 euros (about $40 Can)
Based on UNESCO's Integrated Framework of Action on Education for Peace, Human Rights and Democracy. A learning process that places tolerance within this framework is described, and learning goals-values, knowledge and skills-listed. The three small volumes - Teacher-training resource unit, Primary school resource unit, Secondary school resource unit - can also be bought separately. K-12.

Bully Busters: A Teachers' Manual for Helping Bullies, Victims and Bystanders, by Dawn A. Newman Arthur M. Horne and Christi L. Bartolomucci, Research Press 2000, CRN* $52.95.
For middle school children. Seven modules increase awareness of bullying, how to recognize the bully and the victim, how to intervene, how to help the victim, the role of prevention, and coping and relaxation skills for teachers and students. Gr 6-8

The Bully Free Classroom: Over 100 Tips and Strategies for Teachers K-8, by Allan L. Beane, Free Spirit Publishing 1999 CRN* $36.95.
A clear easy-to-follow guide with practical, student-friendly activities and strategies for teachers on how to prevent and intervene in bullying situations. Includes "Top Ten Facts About Bullying", a bibliography and sample letter to parents. K-8

Peer Mediation: the Complete Guide to Resolving Conflict in Our Schools, by Hetty van Gurp, Portage and Main Press 2002 CRN* $20.
This book is designed for those who understand the philosophy of conflict resolution and peer mediation and are looking for practical tools to implement it. It includes games, role-plays, worksheets and exercises to train mediators in the nature of conflict, the process of mediation and communication skills.

Conflict Resolution in the High School: 36 Lessons by Carol Miller Lieber with Linda Lantieri and Tom Roderick, ESR* 1998, 304 pp $38.00.
This comprehensive, sequenced curriculum will help secondary educators address conflict resolution and problem solving, diversity and intergroup relations, social and emotional development, and building community and creating a Peaceable Classroom. Includes sections on implementation, assessment, and infusion of conflict resolution throughout a standard curriculum.
Gr 9-12.

Conflict in Context: Local to Global Security and Peacemaking, by Gayle Mertz and Carol Miller Lieber, ESR* 2000, US$21.00
This inquiry-based curriculum helps students examine their own lives and explore the ways that alternative conceptions of peace, conflict and security influence public policy from local to global levels. Through various activities students will see how a complex consideration of security must include economics, human rights, and more. Gr 9-12.

Dialogue: Turning Controversy into Community, by J Benson and R A Poliner, 1997, ESR*, US$16.
Ten skill-focused lessons centred on a fictional town caught up in a controversy over whether to mandate uniforms. Teachers help students build skills - listening, conducting research, understanding and appreciating different perspectives, and finding solutions. Suited to social studies and English. Gr 7-12.

Learning to Abolish War: Teaching Toward a Culture of Peace, by Betty Reardon and Alicia Cabezudo, Hague Appeal for Peace, 2002. Now out of print, but available freely to download at website www.haguepeace.org in English, French and other languages.
A new, very useful resource. Part 1 covers rationale and framework of teaching for peace, and learning goals and teaching methods for student teachers; Part 2 has sample lessons for classroom teachers for K-12; Part 3 has guidelines and a model for an in-service workshop, resources and links. Uses the conceptual framework of the Hague Agenda for Peace, with sample learning units for each grade level on war and peace, human rights, ending violent conflict, and disarmament and human security.

Making the Peace: A 15-Session Violence Prevention Curriculum for Young People, by Paul Kival and Allan Creighton with the Oakland Men's Project, Hunter House Inc.1997, ESR*, $24.95.
Written to help young people break away from violence, develop self-esteem, and regain a sense of community. A variety of activities cover issues such as dating violence, gangs, interracial tensions, sexual harassment, etc. The program has three parts: The roots of violence; race, class and gender; and making the peace now Gr 9-12.

The Courage to Be Yourself, ed by Al Desetta with ESR, Free Spirit Publishing and ESR*, 2006, US$13.95
There are 26 real stories by teens who have worked to overcome challenges, such as harassment, teasing, prejudice, while trying to be themselves. These will inspire young readers to cope with similar problems. A leader's guide to this book is available for $25.

Alternatives to Violence, by Kathy Bickmore and the Northeast Ohio Alternatives to Violence Committee, Peace Grows Inc., 513 West Exchange, Akron OH 44302, tel ; 216 864-5442, $10 US, may no longer be available.
An introductory course in creative conflict resolution for teenagers and adults involving active, experiential learning. Grade 9 - adult.

Playing with Fire: Creative Conflict Resolution for Young Adults, by Fiona Macbeth and Nic Fine, 192 pages. $24.95. NSP*, 192 pp $24.95
A practical ready-to-use guide for teachers, counselors and group leaders working with young adults. It provides a training program that helps young adults explore conflict and interpersonal violence while learning skills and strategies to turn conflict into dialog.

Educating for a Peaceful Future by David C. Smith and Terrance R Carson, with activities by G Pike and D Selby, Kagan and Woo Ltd. 1998, 284 pp $45.
Provides the history of peace education, the conceptual background and applications to life situations, and chapters on how to infuse peace education into the various areas of curriculum. Pike and Selby list 26 classroom activities designed to promote non-violence, human rights, social justice, world-mindedness, ecological balance, meaningful participation, and personal peace. Smith and Carson relate the ethos and values of the school to the development of peace education. A case study of how one school was transformed into a more peaceful institution provides practical guidelines. Excellent background for teachers, most activities for Gr 6-12, and several for younger children.

Classroom Connections is a non-profit organization which produces tested teaching resources for Canadian schools on a variety of topics such as Cultivating Peace, Strangers Becoming Us, Celebrating Diversity. These are written curricula for elementary and high school classes, many with videotapes and CDs. Available free to schools who have registered with them. See www.classroomconnections.ca

A Culture of Peace, a secondary teaching unit on alternatives to violent war and conflict By Patrick Clarke, published by CoDevelopment Canada, 101 - 2747 East Hastings St, Vancouver BC V5K 1Z8 codev@codev.org, www.codev.org, ph 604 708-1495, fax 604 708-1497, $10
To help students develop an understanding of the causes and consequences of violent war and conflict."

Partners in Learning: from Conflict to Collaboration in Secondary Classrooms, by Carol Miller Lieber, 2002, Educators for Social Responsibility, ESR*, 384 pp, $38.00
Provides ten essential core classroom practices that enable teachers and student to become partners in creating a respectful, responsible and productive community of learners. Classroom-tested methods that make a positive difference in students 'motivation to learn and succeed. Includes classroom discipline and management and day-by-day plan for the first month of school. Gr 9-12.

Anger Management for Youth: Stemming Aggression and Violence, by Leona Eggert, National Education Service 1994, CRN* $42.50.
This step-by step training guide teaches participants to identify their anger 'triggers'; how to express anger constructively and how to use appropriate controls. Gr 7-12.

Ready-to-use Conflict Resolution Activities for Secondary Students, by Ruth Perlstein and Gloria Thrall, The Centre for Applied Research in Education 1996 CRN* $44.50.
Part one addresses basic conflict resolution concepts, Part two explores the application of these concepts in different settings, and Part three provides a framework for establishing a peer mediation program. This is a practical resource filled with activities, scenarios, role-plays and handouts. For use with youth in or out of the classroom. Gr 9-12.

Challenging Activities for Challenging Kids: Taking Conflict Resolution to the Streets, by Conflict Resolution Network Canada 2001 CRN* $24.95.
Activities designed especially for at-risk youth include use of drama, warm-up games, trust builders as well as communication skills and adventure based approaches to conflict resolution. Gr 9-12