Ziplines: Minimizing Playground Fights
Groups of children playing together in a group will inevitably get into disputes, but with proper planning and supervision, you can minimize fighting and promote peace on the playground.
The most effective way to stop fights on the playground is to prevent them before they start. Use role-playing games in the classroom to encourage kids to come up with better ways resolve conflicts. Act out a variety of potential conflicts – for instance, a fight over who gets to use the only zip line – and then have the kids come up with non-violent solutions.
Be sure to have at least two of any individual items on you playground as well to minimize confrontations.
If you have two or three zip lines, you will reduce the wait time and the chance of arguments happening over who gets to use them first.
Likewise, staggering play times so older children and younger children are on the playground at different times can help minimize arguments, too. Many times fights arise when older children “take over” the playground and don’t allow younger children equal access to equipment.
Designate a quiet area on the playground just for sitting and talking or games such as marbles or cat’s cradle. No noisy games, hide and seek, or rough housing should be permitted in the quiet area, which should include some benches and be clearly marked.
When All Else Fails
Sometimes there will be a fight no matter what you do to prevent it. When a fight does break out, be sure you handle it properly. Do NOT yell, become angry, or take sides. Remember, you want to lead by example, even when you are stopping an argument.
You can intervene in a calm manner and suggest a resolution that works for both children. Compromise is the best route whenever possible. If the children try to explain the “back story,” tell them you are interested in resolving the conflict, not the past.
Be logical. If they’ve been fighting over who got to use the zip line, remind them that while they were arguing, neither of them got to use it, then suggest they take turns by standing at opposite ends of the line.
Simple solutions work best.
