Learning environments and conflict management: an ecological approach in kindergarten

Authors

1.Mrs. Stavroula Mastorodimou (⚑ Greece) 1

2.Mrs. Eleni Papakosta Gaki (⚑ Greece) 2

3.Dr. Andreas Tsounis (⚑ Greece) 2

1. Teacher, Experimental School of Thessaloniki, 2. Psychologist, SEIRIOS Prevention Centre

Abstract

This paper concerns the implementation of a project aimed at conflict management in the kindergarten of the Experimental School of the University of Thessaloniki. The approach was based on the bioecological model and was drawn on the dynamics of collaboration between different learning environments, such as school, family and community structures.

The aim of the intervention was to create a stable framework of school functioning by strengthening school-family cooperation, establishing meaningful and quality relationships between parents and educating them on issues related to enhancing positive thinking and conflict management, both among preschool children and adults. The intervention involved the planning and implementation of a parent group run by a multidisciplinary team during the school year.

The parent group worked alongside a specially designed health education program delivered to the toddlers. The design of the program in children was fed back from both incidents in the school environment and parental input. The overall design of this intervention was based on practices evaluated on a long-term basis and the intervention was found to be highly effective in dealing with better conflict management during the school year.