Sarah and Ann are both in Ms. Glenn's second grade class. Typically, the two girls spend all of their free time together. Since they live so close to one another, they even spend time together on weekends. One day, Ms. Glenn noticed that the two girls were arguing as they entered the classroom in the morning. After she directed the class to get settled, the girls continued to argue until they were firmly redirected to sit down. Throughout the day they would say rude things to each other. During recess, Ms. Glenn saw Ann sitting alone on a playground bench crying and asked her what was wrong. Ann said that she was crying because Sarah told her she had a new best friend. She calls both students to a quiet area on the playground and finds out that the girls are arguing because Ann lost Sarah's bracelet. At this point, what strategy could Ms. Glenn use to intervene in this situation?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ms. Glenn could intervene in this situation by modeling one or two techniques that can be used to resolve such a disagreement. Modeling is an excellent way for young children to see how adults resolve their conflicts so that they can mimic their methods. Children will argue, and setting up rules that prohibit it creates an environment that could inhibit the timely development of necessary social skills. Punishing Sarah would likely increase her anger toward Ann, which could result in strengthening the conflict. Calling the girls' parents may be a good idea, but it does not teach the girls the necessary social skills to avoid and resolve conflicts in the future.

Sarah and Ann Are Both in Ms