Date of Award
8-2016
Document Type
Action Research Project
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Education
Department
Education, Montessori
First Advisor
Allie Brandon
Department/School
Montessori Early Childhood
Abstract
The importance of teaching communication and conflict resolution skills in early childhood is explored in this action research. Previous research suggests that young children are capable of learning conflict resolution skills from an early age. After observing that conflict resolution was not successfully addressed in many different classroom environments, the need to research and model clear, compassionate language was apparent. This study was conducted in a Montessori classroom of 21 children, ages three to six. Within the framework of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), the children learned to voice their feelings, hear others, and have their personal needs met. I recorded reports on each conflict, along with a daily tally of conflicts and a daily self-reflection. During this intervention, the children were only beginning to show the ability to solve conflicts independently. Results showed an increase in conflicts successfully resolved. As the environment continues to practice NVC, the children would likely continue to expand their capacity to communicate clearly and resolve conflicts without the aid of an adult.
Recommended Citation
Ringgenberg, Alyssa K.. (2016). Communication and Conflict Resolution in Early Childhood. Retrieved from Sophia, the St. Catherine University repository website: https://sophia.stkate.edu/maed/174