Grade 1: Practicing Peaceful Problem-Solving
This January, first graders in Mrs. Lisa Ross’ class piloted the Peace Path method, a guided way for students to talk through conflicts, listen to one another, and find solutions together. Mrs. Ross learned about the Peace Path through a professional development opportunity this summer with Lower School Counselor Kathy Riley and Director of Equity and Inclusivity Oscar Gonzalez.
To begin, students worked together to name common problems that might come up during a school day, such as someone touching your fuzzy sweater when you don’t want them to, picking plants at recess, or not stopping singing “K-Pop Demon Hunters” when you ask them (even though it is catchy). These examples helped ground the learning in situations students recognize from their own experiences.
Teachers first modeled how the Peace Path works. The path itself is a mat placed on the ground, with students facing one another as they move step by step through a structured conversation. One person begins by stating the problem, while the other repeats it to make sure both people feel heard. They then switch roles to share perspectives, again repeating back what was said. From there, students discuss possible solutions and agree on one before ending the process with a positive gesture, such as a high five, handshake, or hug.
After watching the model, students shared what they noticed about the process and then tried it themselves in pairs, with classmates selecting scenarios from the class-created list of conflicts. At the end, students offered compliments and comments to reflect on what went well. The Peace Path aligns with Graland’s Responsive Classroom approach, which supports students in building empathy, communication skills, and problem-solving strategies that help create a caring, respectful classroom community.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
