CREATING A PEACEFUL ENVIRONMENT

Our society has become increasingly violent. Protecting children from exposure to violence, either through first-hand experience or via the media, is a challenge that can be overwhelming for child care providers. There are community-based initiatives and advocacy efforts underway to place restrictions on what children see on television, in movies and video games. All individuals concerned with the well-being of children can become involved in these efforts if they wish. However, as child care providers, we can work directly with and for children to create environments where the message is "Peace, not war." As providers, we have a unique responsibility and opportunity to show by example "how it ought to be." The first step is to decide to make your home or center a peaceful place. This can be accomplished by setting clear and consistent limits, by helping children find positive ways to express fears, anger and frustrations, and by remaining as calm and unflappable as possible in the face of  provocation.

Children who engage in violent, aggressive behavior need to understand that they cannot do this in your program, and that your classroom or home is a "safe zone." Reassure children that you will help them find better ways to express their feelings. In your care, even children who have been exposed to  violent experiences can learn about peaceful conflict-resolution, respect for other children and property, and respect for themselves. It is important to structure activities that allow children to let you know what they are thinking and feeling. Some ways to get at the fear and confusion children may experience are through art, storytelling, acting out events with puppets or action figures and block play. By consistently providing these vehicles, providers and teachers send the message encouraging children to express themselves.

Another critical element for creating a safe and peaceful environment is open, honest and frequent communication with families. You cannot be effective if you are working in the dark. You must create opportunities for parents to tell you if stressful or frightening events happen to or around their children. Only then will you know what is behind a child's behavior and be able to find appropriate ways for the child to work through those experiences. The children in your care are moving through a series of developmental stages. They must feel safe and secure to develop the confidence to be independent and function in the wider world. Children must successfully master each stage before moving on the next. The days spent with you, the child care provider, in the environment you create, will have a great deal to do with whether or not they can accomplish this. Think "peace" and strive to create it, one day at a time!

COOPERATIVE GAMES 

Keeping your classroom or family child care home a peaceful place is no easy task! Create the spirit of friendship and warmth with some new games. These activities are designed to be noncompetitive, cooperative, and inclusive for all children. Everyone wins!

Musical Hugs: 

This is a great variation on musical chairs. Play some energetic music for children to get moving and dancing. When the music stops, each child gives one other child a great big hug. The music continues, the kids dance again - but this time, when the music stops, they add another child to the group. As the game goes on, the children create a bigger and bigger hug, until finally all the children squish together in one massive, musical embrace!

Parachute Play: 

Parachutes are a wonderful indoor-outdoor activity for children. If you do not have access to a parachute, try using an old bedspread or sheet. Children grasp the outer edges of the parachute and, working together, make "waves". Try listening to music, making the waves big, little, fast, or slow, in time to the beat of the music. Try placing a ball or stuffed animal in the center of your parachute. Make the ball dance and "pop" as if it is a piece of popcorn. Raise the parachute over your head, then bring it down to the ground.

Frozen Bean Bag Game: 

This is a "helping" game. All children begin the game at their own pace, balancing a bean bag on their head. Children then begin to walk about the room. If the bean bag falls off the child's head, he or she is frozen. Another child must see them, pick up the frozen child's bean bag, and place it back on their head without losing their own. At this time the frozen child will become unfrozen, and can resume play. At the end of the game ask children how many friends they helped, or how many friends helped them!