Caring Corner
Learning to solve conflicts peacefully is a top priority at Plattin Primary. At the end of the 2009/2010 school year, the guidance counselor conducted his annual needs assessment at Plattin Primary School. 80% of teachers stated that they would like the counselor to assist students in solving minor conflicts. After researching the issue, it was discovered that small disagreements between students were a major concern for the staff. A student-driven conflict resolution program was introduced this school year as a response to the needs assessment. The Caring Corner is a program designed to allow students to resolve many of their arguments on their own. Every room (including playground) at Plattin Primary has a designated spot marked with a “Caring Corner” sign. Below the sign is a script that the student use as a guide to resolving conflicts. Every student and staff member was trained on the proper use of the Caring Corner. The program has been very successful in teaching the students to solve their conflicts peacefully. In a mid-year needs assessment, 100% of teachers reported that the Caring Corner was effective in lowering the number of minor student conflicts.