5th Grade Peer Helpers

Peer Helpers assist their fellow peers who are having disputes.  The goal of the Peer Helper Program is for students to take responsibility in resolving many of the conflicts that arise in their daily activities. Peer Helpers teach fellow students that when problems arise, there are alternatives to arguing, physical fighting, and looking to adults for solutions. School-based peer mediation is one of the most popular and effective approaches to integrating the practice of conflict resolution into schools. In addition to mediating the disputes of fellow students, Peer Helpers also benefit by learning how to mediate their own disputes.

When students become involved in every day, low level, and non-physical disputes, Peer Helpers assist their fellow students by using a problem-solving process. This process helps to clarify the nature of the conflict in an effort to reach a solution satisfactory to all disputants. The benefits of a conflict resolution program include an overall improvement of school climate and safety as well as reduced time that staff members spend on discipline and problem-solving. The Peer Helper Program will be an ongoing resource which complements other school rules and positive behavior programs. 

Peer Helpers learn and practice:

• Improved language and communication skills

• Problem-solving techniques applicable to many situations

• Increased ability to identify feelings

• Empathy

• Teamwork

• Awareness and appreciation of differences and diversity

• Leadership and role-modeling skills