Hold a mediation session between two children who are in conflict. Before hosting the session, ask the children to spend some time separately so that they stop reacting based on emotions and begin to think about the situation rationally. Ask them to consider what they want to achieve from conflict resolution, whether it is to repair a friendship or grow personally.
Teach the child to talk about a conflict using "I" statements. Instead of making accusatory claims about the other person, the child must explain how she feels in order to avoid elevating the conflict. For example, she can state, "I felt frustrated when you took my toy at recess."
Monitor the mediation session to ensure that the children do not do or say anything hurtful to one another, but give the children a sense of responsibility by letting them control the session. Explain to them that you are present for help and guidance, but that they are in charge of resolving their own conflict.
Ask the children to listen to one another. Explain that nothing gets resolved if people are talking over one another angrily and no one hears what the other says. Monitor the mediation session to ensure that the participants wait their turn to speak.
Encourage the children to practice their new skills in informal situations, holding mediation sessions and resolving conflict among one another independently of teachers. Ask them to practice listening and making respectful statements the next time they encounter conflict while also teaching resolution techniques to their peers.