Developing+Class+Peer+Mediators

Lynn Mayberry-Burke, grade 2 Developing Class Peer Mediators Standards: 4A, 4B, & 4C Materials: Kelso’s Choices Poster Time: 15-30 minutes (depending upon the amount of time available) Goal: Helping children find solutions for recess problems Lesson Steps: Gather the students in the meeting area and have them sit in a circle. Tell the children that we are going to talk about a new class job, which is the peer mediator. This job will be posted on our “Helping Hands” chart and will be held for a week like our other class jobs. The job of our peer mediator is to help children solve problems at recess or in the classroom using Kelso’s Choices. This introduction assumes that the teacher has already taught the class about how to use Kelso’s Choices. The person who holds this job will be given a badge with Kelso’s Choices pictured attached to a lanier to wear around his/her neck. When children come to the peer mediator, s/he can help the child or children decide which Kelso’s Choices would be appropriate to try to solve the problem. The peer mediator can also help the child/ren decide if the problem is a big or little problem and whether an adult is needed to help solve the problem. If they are unsure, then they need to turn to an adult right away for help. The children should have already been taught what a big problem is and times when an adult is needed. Assessment/Activity: The children love this job. They are really proud to wear the badge. I like to check in with the children and ask whether the peer mediator is being utilized during recess and what kinds of conflicts are coming up. The kids feel empowered and it helps cut down on the amount of class time needed to solve recess conflicts. This will also help develop peer supports and leaders.