TRANSITIONS TOWARD PEACEFUL CLASSROOMS

When Peace Learning Center partners with a school or a classroom, our biggest wins come from a school community who is ready to transition away from what isn't working. Letting go of habits and traditions that are not serving the best needs of our students are critical to making a cultural shift in a school--one towards peace and educating the whole child.

Here are a list of questions to get you thinking about the transitions we ask of our partners to change the culture of their school:

1). Negative behaviors are opportunities to learn and discover the impact of our choices and to plan ways to cope with our surroundings better the next time. Punishments are the easy, predictable consequences, but when we only issue punitive consequences, we do not take advantage of the opportunity to learn what is happening at the social and emotional level. We also do not allow students to have the opportunity to determine how they can help undo the damage their choice created.

2). Conflict should be embraced. Students, especially young students, need to learn to disagree. As adults know, conflict will exist in all areas of their lives, which is why the ability to stay calm, not take things personally, talk the disagreement out, come up with healthy solutions, and truly listen to the other, are all essential tools for resolving conflict that come from practice. I often tell our groups the way to improve our violin, basketball, or martial arts skills is through practice. Conflict is no exception. With practice, we can better understand our own tendancies, areas for improvement, and overall comfort with the process of resolving conflict.

3). To have productive learning, we must make time to build and enhance the classroom community. If we aren't proactive with the social and emotional forces at play, as most teachers will tell you, they will manifest themselves as excess talking, "drama," and frustration. All humans need time to deal with their internal and social realities. When we have morning meetings, mediations, and use student choice and voice in our classrooms, we make our classes safe, healthy places where learning and achievement become much more attainable.

To learn how to bring PLC youth programs to your child's school or organization, please contact Kristina Hulvershorn, Director of Youth Programs, at 317-327-7144 or khulvershorn@peacelearningcenter.org, or click here to visit our website to learn more.  

CREATE PEACE AT EVERY TRANSITION

To learn how you can make your workplace, organization or community a more welcoming place, click here to visit our website to learn more about our Community Program offerings or email John McShane, Community Programs Director, at jmcshane@peacelearningcenter.org.   

Transition and change is certain.  It's always around us. It engulfs us and it carries us with it, willingly or unwillingly. Sometimes we may not have a choice in the matter.  The key question is: How do we transition ourselves with change?   Here's where we have a choice.  We can help ourselves transition positively, or...we can choose to do nothing, "go with the flow," and then be negative about the outcomes.

We all experience different types of change (sudden, unexpected changes, long anticipated changes, everyday changes, limiting belief changes, habit changes, etc.). Transitioning into or out of these may be stressful, confusing and even painful. (I can vouch for that!)

Change visits me every single day and I know I'm going to have to transition with it or get left behind. Here are some things I do to help guide myself through the process:

• Remember that change happens to all of us - we are not alone
• Pay attention and notice possible upcoming changes and be prepared
• Realize that every change has an opportunity hidden in it
• Adjust your attitude: You know the saying "Negative things happen to negative people. Positive things happen to positive people"  Negativity zaps our ability to make good decisions, destroys our creativity and limits our thoughts and ideas.  Positivity creates opportunities, makes us feel better about ourselves, promoting a healthy attitude and outlook.
• Face your feelings - be honest with yourself
• Accept the change
• Know that it's going to take time to adjust
• Write/journal about the transition and read it the next day to help analyze your feelings
• De-Stress: Relax, breathe, meditate, practice yoga, exercise, take a walk, talk to your spouse, talk to your pet, sing, dance, etc. 

If these methods don't work for you, you can always:

• Look up useful articles about transitioning into change on the internet
• Read the book "Who Moved My Cheese" by Spencer Johnson, M.D.
• Find a Life Coach
• Seek professional help

I hope you found a tip or two beneficial. You'll not only "grow yourself" into a healthier, more positive, calm person, you'll grow yourself to better transition when change happens...making your corner of the world a little better place for yourself and others.