To manage conflicts constructively, theoretical knowledge alone is not enough. Practical exercises and materials are essential to help children develop social skills and empathy. In this eighth part of our blog series, we present a selection of books, games, and exercises that can support children in a playful way.
1. Books Addressing Conflicts and Emotions
"I Am Angry!" – Books About Feelings
Example Titles: Today I Am... by Mies van Hout, When I Am Angry by Nanna Nesshöver
Why Are They Helpful?
Children see through illustrations how anger, frustration, or sadness can manifest and receive child-friendly tips on how to deal with these emotions.
Stories About Friendship and Sharing
Example Titles: The Neinhorn by Marc-Uwe Kling, The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
Why Are They Helpful?
These books explore friendship, sharing, conflict, and reconciliation, offering conversation starters for discussing conflict resolution together.
Picture Books with Relatable Characters
Example Titles: Something Else by Kathryn Cave and Chris Riddell
Why Are They Helpful?
Children can relate to the main character, helping them develop empathy and perspective-taking skills.
Tip: Use shared reading sessions to ask questions like: "How does the character feel?", "What could they have done differently?" This encourages reflection and understanding.
2. Games to Promote Empathy and Communication
Emotion Memory Game
How It Works:
Instead of traditional matching pairs, cards feature different facial expressions (e.g., happy, sad, angry). Children find matching pairs and name the emotions depicted.
Learning Objective:
Recognizing, naming, and understanding emotions in a playful way.
Role-Playing and Puppet Play
Why Are They Valuable?
Children can reenact conflict situations (e.g., a dispute over toys) and explore different resolutions – without pressure but with lots of creativity.
Variations:
- Using hand puppets, finger puppets, or stuffed animals.
- Reenacting everyday situations (e.g., saying goodbye to parents, disagreements at mealtime).
Cooperative Games
Examples:
- Coordination Between Home and Daycare: Close collaboration between parents and educators ensures that children receive consistent support. Regular exchanges about observations and strategies help children strengthen their social skills in both environments.
- Treasure Hunt (achieving a common goal together)
- Building a tower or obstacle course together
- Learning Objective:
- Children experience the importance of teamwork and communication.
3. Exercises for Expressing Emotions and Resolving Conflicts
Emotion Traffic Light or Emotion Barometer
How It Works:
- A traffic light with green, yellow, and red colors where children can indicate how they feel.
- An emotion barometer with a movable arrow pointing to different emotions.
- Learning Objective:
- Early recognition of emotional states to prevent conflicts.
Practicing "I" Statements
Process:
- Children practice phrases like "I feel sad because...", "I would like...".
- It can be turned into a ritual or game: Each child shares an "I" statement with the group.
- Learning Objective:
- Expressing feelings without blaming others.
"Freeze Dance" with Emotions
How It Works:
Instead of just saying "Freeze!", name an emotion when stopping (e.g., angry, happy, scared). Children then pose in a way that represents that emotion.
Learning Objective:
Connecting body language with emotions and enjoying experimenting with expressions.
4. Creative Methods and Materials
"Anger Sack" or "Emotion Cushion"
What Is It?
A special pillow or small sandbag that children can hit (under supervision) to release excess energy when angry.
Purpose:
Teaches alternative ways to express anger without harming others.
DIY Emotion Cards
Process:
- Children draw cards depicting their own emotions (e.g., "This is my face when I'm sad.").
- Using emojis or magazine cutouts can be helpful.
- Benefit:
- Encourages self-awareness and helps recognize similar emotions in others.
Daily or Weekly Reflection Rituals
Idea:
At the end of the day or week, children take turns sharing what they enjoyed most or what they hope for next time.
Why Is It Valuable?
Creates a sense of community and promotes reflection.
5. Successfully Integrating These Practices Into Daily Life
- Consistency Over One-Time Activities: The more frequently books, games, and exercises are used, the more they become a natural part of children's routines.
- Varied Approaches: Different methods (books, movement-based activities, creative exercises) ensure that every child finds a suitable way to engage.
Conclusion
Books, games, and exercises enable children to explore emotions and conflicts in a playful way. With creativity and patience, valuable learning moments emerge, strengthening social interactions and fostering a harmonious environment.
