Create a special Peace Place in your school or home

Schools can use a "Peace Place" as an area students can go to resolve conflicts. Families can set up a corner where children can go to calm down, talk about problems, and resolve conflicts. The Peace Place is NOT a "time out" area. It should be a safe, familiar, cozy area that encourages peacefulness and has items for helping children deal with feelings, collect their thoughts, and resolve conflicts constructively.

Some ideas for your Peace Place (children should participate in decorating the Peace Place and choosing items):

• A pillow for punching or a towel for twisting to release energy.
• Stuffed toys that can offer comfort.
• One or two big, soft chairs (e.g. beanbag chairs) for resting in and for cuddling with an adult.
• Peaceful music.
• Favorite books, including books about peace.
• Drawing supplies (which give children a way to express their feelings rather than be carried away by them).
• Peaceful posters, drawings, and sayings on the wall.
• Resolution reminders (e.g. have conflict cards handy or post enlarged versions on the wall).