A
group of six 9 – 12 year old boys and girls spent several weeks
learning the concepts of assertion and aggression, and learning ways resolve
conflicts without resorting to violence. Youngsters talked about
ways to resolve conflict and wrote a script about two boys who were always
angry with one another. At first, many of the children suggested
solving the boys’ problems ‘by tripping and hitting’.
They followed this with a conversation about ‘what is important
enough to stand up for?” Answers included family, food, pets, freedom,
and even peace in New York.
Next, they constructed bear-puppets out of fabric and beads, and performed the script about the two boys and each had to learn how to say ‘no’ using the bears as their means of expression. These mini-plays helped the youngsters grasp the differences between assertion and aggression, the importance of respecting boundaries, and about accepting similarities and differences in a safe, nurturing environment. Next, using foam core, straw, sticks, cardboard, and aluminum foil, the students sculpted ‘fantasy creatures’ who were able to stand up for themselves in a positive, non-hurtful way. Finally, the students performed their play in which the fantasy creatures, as stand-ins for the two boys, were able to resolve conflicts by being assertive and without using violence.
Next, they constructed bear-puppets out of fabric and beads, and performed the script about the two boys and each had to learn how to say ‘no’ using the bears as their means of expression. These mini-plays helped the youngsters grasp the differences between assertion and aggression, the importance of respecting boundaries, and about accepting similarities and differences in a safe, nurturing environment. Next, using foam core, straw, sticks, cardboard, and aluminum foil, the students sculpted ‘fantasy creatures’ who were able to stand up for themselves in a positive, non-hurtful way. Finally, the students performed their play in which the fantasy creatures, as stand-ins for the two boys, were able to resolve conflicts by being assertive and without using violence.
