Contact with the rope sets off jingling bells, and that means the whole team has to start over. The spider web exercise is part of Peace Games, a program run by Yale undergraduates for students in the local schools. Peace Games teach teamwork, communication and cooperation. They also offer the youngsters a chance for some fun. Peace Games at Yale is based on a curriculum developed by college students to help middle school students learn conflict resolution skills.
Cooperative problem solving is taught by having the children create and play noncompetitive games.
Two undergraduate volunteers take each class of sixth or seventh graders through the curriculum. Generally, the program meets one class period a week for eight weeks, building to the day-long festival at the University that brings together all participants. The festival will include opening and closing ceremonies, a series of interactive workshops, entertainment by Yale performers, and refreshments. The festival is free for all participants, and lunch, snacks, t-shirts and other gifts will be provided. The Peace Games were founded six years ago by Francelia Butler, professor emerita of children's literature at the University of Connecticut UConn at Storrs.