Students in Grades 0-5 started reviewing Kelso´s Choice Conflict Management program used in our school as well as many international schools. Students are taught to differentiate between minor problems that they can solve and those that are potentially dangerous and serious.

Our goal is to teach students several positive ways to deal with minor conflict situations. To do this we ask that they try the following ideas or “choices” when they have a small problem with a peer:

This program is divided into two sections for grades K – 3 and grades 4 – 5. The same core concepts and philosophy are taught in both sections with slight differences to reflect the varying developmental levels.

The lessons for grades K – 3 feature a frog named Kelso who walks students through the nine conflict management choices for “small” problems and encourages them to always go to a trusted adult if they come across a “BIG” problem.

Kelso the frog is no longer featured in lessons for grades 4 – 5. Students learn to differentiate the verbal choices from the nonverbal choices. They are no longer asked to share and take turns to solve “minor” problems as they have generally mastered this skill. Students are always taught to go to the nearest trusted adult for “SERIOUS” problems.

Lilianna Lutley, Elementary School Counselor