Children are encouraged not only to be responsible for themselves, but also to help others. An older child helps a younger child to read, for instance, or lend a hand with the microscope. Throughout the years, the classwork facilitates children's social interaction. Students may choose to work alone or with friends, or attend an individual or small group lesson with the teacher. The class as a whole discusses its projects and problems.
Children learn to make choices and be responsible members of the group.
They sometimes agree to disagree, work out compromises, and settle things democratically with a community meeting. Teachers are trained to help children develop ways of finding their own solutions to conflicts. Conflict resolution is taught and its steps practiced as a means of enabling students to resolve their differences. Consideration for others and forethought result as students learn the skills of active listening and negotiation. Above all, respect for each other is paramount as children work through this process, first with adult assistance, then independently.