The LEADS Strategies help students age 8 to 12 solve peer conflicts peacefully by considering others’ perspectives and by using problem solving skills. Children learn about different types of aggression and the role of bystanders.
Develop an understanding of what can be learned about other peoples’ feelings, intentions, and inner thoughts from carefully observing their behaviours and non-verbal expressions. Listen to identify conflicts that involve direct aggression (e.g. hitting, pushing, threatening) or relational aggression (e.g. excluding people, ignoring, spreading rumours, teasing).
Explore strategies to understand points of view. Observe how words, thoughts, and feelings can vary from person to person. Learn to understand indirect or relational aggression.
Identify conflicts that involve direct aggression (hitting, pushing, threatening) and relational aggression (excluding people, ignoring, spreading rumours, teasing). Brainstorm and act out solutions to these conflicts.
Identify the short- and long-term consequences of the actions chosen to deal with a conflict. Know how to tell whether or not a solution has worked.
Know how and when to seek help from an adult and to continue seeking help if the issue is not resolved.
Conflict mapping: Have students draw or diagram a conflict they’ve experienced or read about. Include perspectives of each person involved, possible actions, and outcomes.
Perspective journals: After reading a LEADS book, ask students to write a journal entry from the perspective of one of the characters.
LEADS Bingo: Create a bingo card with actions like “asked for help,” “listened actively,” “explored someone’s feelings.” Students mark off when they observe or practice these during the week.
Community leader interviews: Invite students to interview a Community Leader about how they resolve conflicts.
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