Conflict Resolution at Acton Academy
At Acton, learners are encouraged to resolve their own conflicts. They are empowered and given tools to help resolve disagreements. One of those tools is the Montessori peace table. Another approach we use is the “Why, Because, And” approach to apologizing.
Montessori Peace Table
The Montessori peace table is a central element in Montessori classrooms, designed to help young heroes develop peace-making skills and conflict resolution strategies. The peace table is a designated space where our learners can go to resolve conflicts and disagreements with each other. It is a physical space that helps establish a peaceful and respectful environment, where children can practice active listening, empathy, and effective communication. The goal is to teach children to resolve conflicts peacefully and to build their problem-solving skills, self-awareness, and social competence.
The process of how a peace table works in a Montessori classroom typically involves the following steps:
Identification of conflict: When students have a conflict or disagreement, they can go to the peace table to resolve it.
Seating arrangement: The students sit facing each other, creating a space for open and respectful communication.
Active listening: Students are encouraged to listen to each other's perspectives and to express their own thoughts and feelings.
Empathy: Students are taught to put themselves in the other person's shoes and to understand their perspective.
Problem-solving: Students work together to find a solution to their conflict that is mutually agreeable.
Resolution: The students reach a peaceful resolution, shake hands, and return to their activities, having learned valuable life skills and having strengthened their relationship with each other.
The Montessori peace table provides a structured and supportive environment where young learners can practice important life skills, such as conflict resolution and effective communication, in a safe and controlled setting.
How to apologize
The "Why, Because, And" format is a simple and effective way to apologize. The format consists of three parts:
Why: This is where you express why you are apologizing. You acknowledge the situation and take responsibility for your actions. For example, "I'm sorry for ripping up your work."
Because: This is where you explain the reason behind your behavior. For example, "I was playing too rough and didn't realize I was going to step on it."
And: This is where you offer a solution or an action that you will take to make up for your mistake. For example, "I will help you recreate the work."
By using the "Why, Because, And" format, you are taking responsibility for your actions, expressing empathy towards the person you are apologizing to, and offering a solution to make amends. This format helps you to deliver a sincere and effective apology.
Conflict resolution
As adults, we often don’t do conflict resolution well. It’s important that we listen to each Hero and allow them the space to learn conflict resolution.