Teaching Conflict Resolution with the Rainbow Kids Program
by Barbara Porro
Category: Education

Based on the view that making social concepts and feelings concrete would help children in primary grades to take turns, cooperate, and solve their problems respectfully, this curriculum uses a story about the Rainbow Kids, an imaginary community of children, to introduce children to social concepts and conflict resolution skills. The Rainbow Kids experience emotions that are conveyed by the weather around them. These simple "sunny" and "cloudy" metaphors turn abstract notions of behavior into physical expressions young children can easily comprehend. Part 1 of the curriculum guide describes the impetus for the program, discusses how the program works, summarizes the story, and details the procedures involved in presenting the program. Part 2 contains the seven lessons and two activities comprising the program; this part includes sample program materials in six appendices, and lists selected resources for elementary school teachers. Part 3 is a separate booklet for students containing "The Rainbow Kids" story. (Contains 15 references.) (KB)