Tool for helping children shoose options to keep disagreements and conflicts small. 

Conflict and disagreement is normal and often happens when children are together. Our goal is to teach our students several positive ways to deal with these difficult situations. Kelso’s Choice is a conflict management skills program based on the premise that every child is capable of becoming a peacemaker and of solving conflicts peacefully. 

Kelso the frog teaches students how to solve “small” problems on their own. “Small” problems include conflicts that cause “small” feelings of annoyance, embarrassment, boredom, etc. “BIG problems” always need to be taken to an adult. These are situations that are scary, dangerous, illegal, etc.

Students will learn that if they have a small problem they need to try 2 of Kelso’s choices.  If they have a big problem they need to go and tell an adult they trust. 

We encourage you to become familiar with this program and use it in your home. By working together, we can develop a positive healthy life skill for our children to use at home and school.

Here is a list of examples of small problems vs big ones. The rule here is simple: Big problems are scary and dangerous to themselves or others. Always to go to a grown up for a big problem. 

Small problems aren't scary or dangerous to anyone. Try at least 2 of Kelso's Choices to solve on your own before seeing a grown up. 

*Remember: a put-down used once or twice is not bullying, but if you've tried Kelso's Choices 2 times and the conflict doesn't end them go to a grown up.