One of the tools I plan to use in my classroom next year is Kelso’s Choice. Kelso’s Choice is a conflict management skills program designed to make children independent problem solvers. Kelso the Frog is the mascot for the program and teaches children nine different ways to solve a small problem. I really like this program because it teaches the differences between small problems and big problems. Big problems are those that require an adult’s help because something serious is going on or someone may be hurt. This program empowers students to be problem solvers and peacemakers. Here are the nine choices for solving problems:
1. Go to another game
2. Wait and cool off
3. Make a deal
5. Tell them to stop
6. Talk it out
7. Share and take turns
8. Walk away
9. Ignore it
I LOVE that these choices include verbal and nonverbal ways to solve the problem. I think it’s so important to provide students with choices and empower them to solve their own problems. So, when children come to you with a small problem (that they want you to solve for them) you can ask them, “What two of Kelso’s choices did you try to solve the problem?”
The program has tons of great resources you can order on their website that I would LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to have for my classroom. They have DVDs, posters, puppets and even games to help teach Kelso’s Choices to your students. They also have a few free resources HERE and a grant program HERE. I am really hoping to have some of these resources for my classroom next year! In the meantime, I printed out a copy of the Kelso's Choice wheel ( I found the color version here) to introduce my kids to Kelso!
Does anyone use Kelso’s Choice in their classroom? I would love to hear your ideas and thoughts!