A recent episode of the weekly Classroom Closeup New Jersey show featured a group of first graders who have been learning about problem-solving by using a peace bridge that was painted on their playground. At North Boulevard Elementary School in Pequannock Township New Jersey, Yvette McBain (Morris County Teacher of the Year) has developed a peer mediation program whose theme is “A Bridge to Success,” which includes the 1st through 3rd grade Peacemakers, and The 4th and 5th grade Heart Club peer mediators. You can view the episode here.
Here’s a diagram of the bridge that was painted on the playground. It provides visual and verbal cues to help the students solve their problem. McBain’s classroom also has a song that reinforces the steps in the process.