Conflict Resolution via Drama

09/03/2014

Conflict Resolution via Drama

It's in the preparation — in those dreary pedestrian virtues they taught you in seventh grade and you didn't believe. It's making the extra call and caring a lot.
Diane Sawyer

In their May/June 2014 Exchange article, "Supporting Conflict Resolution through Structured Dramatic Play," Rekha Rajan concludes...

"Structured dramatic play is a natural and collaborative way to support conflict resolution with young children. Guided by research documenting the contribution of play on children’s cognitive, physical, and social skills, my experiences in the classroom confirm how children make meaning through structured dramatic play by acknowledging their own feelings, making choices, and recognizing alternative perspectives.

"While open discussions and class meetings are effective for talking and listening to children, structured dramatic play encourages children to become actively engaged in problem solving as they express their feelings, make meaningful decisions, and respond thoughtfully. These collaborative experiences are invaluable for reinforcing classroom guidelines, social skills, and creating a safe environment where children can improvise, develop, and practice conflict resolution."

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