Playground Peacemakers
To develop peer mediation skills through training children as playground peacemakers.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Personal, Social & Emotional
- Learning area: Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Mediates peer conflicts
- Uses resolution language
- Shows impartiality
- Develops leadership skills
Materials
- Peacemaker badges or vests
- Conflict resolution cards
- Peace bench
- Training materials
Instructions
TRAINING PEACEMAKERS: Train volunteers in simple mediation: 'Your job is to help friends sort out problems. Ask each person what happened. Ask how they feel. Help them think of solutions.'
SUPPORTING INITIALLY: Shadow peacemakers at first: 'You're doing brilliantly. You listened to both sides. Now ask them: what could we do to fix this? You're being a great peacemaker!'
ROTATING THE ROLE: All children who want to try should get the chance. 'This week's peacemakers are Leo and Mia. Next week it could be you! Would you like to be trained?'
CELEBRATING PEACE: 'Our peacemakers helped sort out THREE problems today! And they did it without any adult help! That's incredible! Thank you, peacemakers!'