FRESNO, Calif. (FOX26) — At a time when college campuses around the country are reporting a heightened level of prejudice and discrimination, a group of sixth graders is learning to mediate through hurtful situations.
It is hoped that the foundations they’re building today will help foster better listening and understanding as they get older — to help prevent a crisis in the classroom.
The sixth graders are mediator mentors at Clovis Elementary. They are learning the art of listening without judgment and helping to find resolutions.
“You have to know about the other person and you have to think about what they need and what other people think and just in general have to be kind,” said 6th grader Grace Pendola.
And learn to get to the heart of the problem which isn’t always easy. They get weekly training, based on a Fresno State mediation program and even have a script that helps them help others.
“Students see the value in the positive relationships. They want to get along with each other. They really do,” said Clovis Elementary Principal Donelle Kellom. They don’t want to come to school and feel intimidated or feel like they’re not part of a team. They want to belong.”
Read the complete article here.
Three blind men went to the circus and encountered a mysterious beast. They were fascinated by the energy coming from it, and each touched it in order to figure out...
By Karen PelotThe first entry in a series of occasional Dear Diary postings by New Zealand mediator, Geoff Sharp, designed to highlight those lonely mediator moments that all of us experience as...
By Geoff SharpMany close friends and family members will try to give you advice on how to deal with your divorce. One of the most difficult matters to deal with is telling...
By Leyla Balakhane
