Student Government & A School-wide Thematic Approach An effective way to keep conflict management principles in the forefront and to teach them effectively is the thematic approach. Monthly themes are chosen. Bulletin boards, P.A. announcements, parent letters and class lessons all reflect, teach and reinforce the theme. For example, if "conflict" is selected as the theme, the goal would be to understand that conflict is neither good not bad - it just is. In each subject this concept can be reinforced: discord in music, discussions of the story conflicts in reading, some successful outcomes of conflict in social studies such as peace agreements, etc. Student governments may develop a "Student Bill of Rights" and a corresponding list of responsibilities. Each month one of the rights and its responsibilities can be posted and reinforced school wide. This idea is appropriate for establishing a conflict management environment since it reflects the principles of appropriate involvement in planning, collaboration, responsibility and human dignity. CURRICULUM INDEX
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