STEPS
BEFORE the sessions begin, peer mediators explain this to set expectations.
What are the ground rules?
TRUE or FALSE: Active listening means staying quiet until it is your turn to speak.
What is FALSE?
Active listening involves clarifying questions, repeating what they said to make sure you heard correctly, eye contact, etc.
TRUE or FALSE:
"I" Statements are used to blame the other person.
What is FALSE?
A trigger is something that does THIS to your emotions.
What is "sets them off" or "causes a strong reaction"?
One student is talking too much and won't let the other speak. What should the peer mediator do?
What is "politely interrupt them and remind them of the ground rules"?
Peer mediators should do THIS while each person shares their story.
What is listening without judgement/staying neutral?
Name one body language cue that shows that you are actively listening.
What is nodding/eye contact/facing the speaker?
This statement structure: "I feel when because ." is an example of THIS.
What is an "I" statement?
Name one common emotional trigger for middle schoolers.
What is: teasing/being ignored/being bullied/embarassment/hunger/lack of sleep/failing a test/getting yelled at by a teacher/etc.
Two students both want to talk first. What can the mediator do to handle this?
What is "flip a coin/pick a number/decide who goes first"?
After both stories are shared, mediators help the students do THIS.
What is identify the main problem or issue?
THIS is when you repeat what someone said in your own words.
What is paraphrasing?
Change this into an "I" statement: "You never listen to me!"
What is "I feel ignored when I talk and you look away or at your phone because it makes me feel unimportant" (or similar responses)?
You feel disrespected and start yelling. The emotion you may feel is THIS.
What is anger (or frustration)? OR What is sadness?
A student says, "this is dumb. I don't want to be here."
What is "validate their feelings and explain the purpose of the mediation"?
(you cannot force someone to be a part of something they don't want to be a part of. If they choose to opt out after that, then at least you did your part.)
This step involves helping students brainstorm fair solutions.
What is problem-solving/suggestions?
Why is active listening important in mediation?
What is "it helps people feel heard, respected and validated"?
Why are "I" statements helpful in conflict?
What is "they reduce blame and help express emotions clearly"?
TRUE or FALSE:
All triggers are easy to notice right away.
What is FALSE?
One student is crying and seems overwhelmed. How can the mediator respond?
What is "offer a break/speak gently/ask if they need time/offer a tissue"?
The final step where students agree on what each will do next.
What is "write or create an agreement and sign the plan"?
Give an example of how a mediator might show active listening (besides body cues).
What is saying "so what I hear you saying is..."?
Create an "I" statement for this situation: A classmate took your pencil without asking.
What is "I feel frustrated when my things are taken without asking me first; it feels disrespectful" (or similar responses)?
A is the event or situation that causes an emotional response, while a is how someone responds to that feeling.
What is a trigger and what is a reaction?
Both students agree to stop fighting, but one says they still feel hurt. What should the mediator do?
What is "help them express why they still feel hurt and adjust the agreement if needed"?