School's Out for Summer (Closure -part 1)

Closure is an important part of any gathering, ritual, ceremony, cycle or school year. Yesterday I had the pleasure of meeting with four classrooms that have only been using the Peacekeeper model in their classrooms since March. These were a kindergarten, two fifth grades and a first grade class.

Usually classes begin using the Peacekeeper process in their classes right off the bat when school begins in the fall, which sets a norm for the classroom. Once patterns are set with groups of kids they can be difficult break however, all of these classes showed that with focused attention and willingness they were able to embrace this new peacekeeping tool and find great comfort and satisfaction using the "I message" communication skills, even in this short time period, So close to the end of the school year.

I visited the kindergarten first and usually this class has a difficult time sitting and behaving. It's a new concept for a 5 year old to keep their little bodies still sitting in the (chris-cross applesauce position) with hands in their laps (spoons in the bowl), for  any length of time. So each week we repeat the discussion about how we sit in circle and listen to our friends. We also repeat how to behave respectfully with their classmates and then repeat the agreements that they have learned. Because they are such quick learners, even in this short period of time, they easily volunteer out loud, one of the guidelines they were taught on the first day of Peacekeeper. They have memorized these agreements so they can begin each week reaffirming that this is a safe place to talk with their classmates and resolve conflict or show appreciation. One of the most important agreements is "what gets said in circle, stays in circle". They learn what the word confidentiality means and what it means to gossip  or break that agreement. Yes, even 5 year olds are capable of understanding and abiding in this agreement.

In just two months of once a week circles, this particular class has gone from chaos and disrespect to order and cooperation(for the most part). The teacher has really noticed and commented on the difference it has made especially during circle time. I noticed that I left with a feeling that even these little people with such a short life experience behind them, also want what most of us want, "to be heard and have an opportunity to speak, so they can feel appreciated and valued and work out differences so they can experience friendships that are built on caring and trust.