Critchlow Adkins Children’s Center, St. Michaels Site

By Marlene Thomas at the St. Michaels Site, in Critchlow Adkins, MD

Sponsored by Michelle Hughes

Goals:

Increase interactions through peace education for our students ages 2 through 5. By adding additional resources in the calming areas, reading areas, through physical activities, conversations, and healthy meals. To promote cooperation, empathy, caring, and respect for all.

Summary:

In order to facilitate Peace Education, the teachers introduced the following books; I Am Peace opens in a new tab by Susan Verde and Peter Reynolds, which reinforced messages of kindness, compassion and self-awareness. The Rare, Tiny Flower opens in a new tab by Kitty O’Meara and Quim Torres taught the kids how to listen and respect each other’s opinions. Peaceful Dinosaur opens in a new tab by Steve Herman helped the children to develop social skills. Can You Say Peace? opens in a new tab by Karen Katz informed the children about a Peace Celebration. The Boy with Big, Big Feelings opens in a new tab by Britney Winn Lee shared with the children about celebrating their feelings. Our Diversity Makes Us Stronger opens in a new tab by Elizabeth Cole talked about respecting differences. I Choose to Try Again opens in a new tab by Elizabeth Estrada talked about perseverance. One Love by Cedella Marley talked about transforming the neighborhood. A Little Peaceful Spot opens in a new tab by Diane Alber talked about emotions. During their many conversations, they discussed how and why we should do things for others, feelings, empathy and positive communication.

A Peace Walk was organized for the children and teachers during the Week of the Young Child. The children wore matching t-shirts as they walked through the town of St. Michaels to raise community awareness. A Peace Luncheon was held for the students, teachers and parents where they had the opportunity to prepare a simple meal consisting of pasta (lasagna or macaroni and cheese), salad and milk. The children enjoyed eating with their peers and staff. We chose a day that public school was closed so all children could participate.

A small Tranquil Pond carpet, calm down tools and books as listed above were added to the existing calming areas. Children felt comfortable self-regulating in a space that was tailored to their needs until they were able to rejoin the group. During story and group time, most of the children were cooperative while engaged in activities, which minimized negative behaviors and conflicts. Teachers encouraged children to problem solve and referred to some of the books that had been read.

As we plan and implement our yearly activities, such as creating Valentine cards for the senior citizens, a soul-food dinner to celebrate African American History, collecting toiletries for those in need, hosting a Trike-a-thon for St. Jude or growing vegetables in our garden, to name a few, the children seem more receptive and willing to engage with a feeling of pride and ownership. I feel that much of this can be attributed to the introduction of Peace Education.