I spent the morning yesterday hanging out with the 10-year-old Peacemakers at P.S. 84 in Manhattan and had a blast. Peace Games teaches youngsters how to transform their schools and families using peacemaking techniques. Is it possible for fifth graders to change their schools? Just ask “lunch leaders” Carlos and Tiffany, ten year olds who, after six weeks, are remarkably fluent in the nuances of how to manage conflict. Assisted by the Peace Games school coordinator Elizabeth Alter and 25 college student volunteers (who teach a research-tested curriculum to every class in the school), the youngsters show their peers and the younger kids in the cafeteria each day how to handle conflict. “We talk about things that escalate and things that de-escalate conflict,” Carlos explained. “We tell them that you don’t have to fight. Just talk it over. Walk away, take a deep breath and count to ten, or just apologize.”
Sounds too simple? The kids in their class say they have started doing this regularly and the results have been immediate — and surprising. Principal Robin Sundick agrees. She fought for 3 years to bring Peace Games to her school. Already, bullying is way down, she notes, and the lunchroom is visibly calmer — and happier. She suspects that more relaxed children will be better learners. The kids also report that they use their newfound ’skills’ with brothers and sisters at home, and the results hold up. One young Peacemaker has started giving his mom shoulder massages when he sees she’s tired and tense. There used to be a lot more yelling, he said. “Now we just talk,” he added. “It feels nice.”
It was great to have you visit PS 84 yesterday! Many thanks for helping us proclaim the power of peacemakers.
What a delightful program. Very glad to hear about it.
This is so encouraging. The Dalai Lama has often spoken about developing dialogue and educating it at a young age. And Peace Games is a great way for children to get to that point. This is the kind of work that the Dalai Lama is interested in. Some years ago there was a conference with the Dalai Lama about how to develop and educate compassion in young people.
It’s so great that we have Peace University for adults and now this. I just posted it on facebook so all my friends know about this. I also forwarded it to my sister who is going to be a teacher at an elementary school.
Thanks David for sharing!
Great post my friend,this is really helpful,especially the last part,keep up the good job