That mantra was reinforced today with a special show from “Les Trouble P.I. - Problem Investigator.” The Page MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports) team hoped the show, which focuses on conflict resolution, would offer good reinforcement lessons for students. The PTO helped with financing to bring the show to Page students.
“You don't have to be best friends with everyone, but you do need to know how to get along. You need to learn to be safe, respectful and responsible,” said Doug Scheer who plays the role of Les Trouble P.I. the investigator of the show.
With plenty of audience participation, illusions, magic and humor, Les Trouble engaged students as they learned about the four-step conflict resolution process: 1) Get the facts - listen; 2) Tell your feelings - don’t blame; 3) Brainstorm - think of solutions 4) Negotiate - everybody wins.
Using two students in a tug-o-war example, he reminded them that a conflict resolution is not like a tug-o-war where the winner takes all. “It can be difficult, but with a little give and a little take, you can compromise and both sides win.”
He reminded students they are not all the same - they have different backgrounds and different experiences. They may see things differently demonstrated by a simple picture. Some saw a young woman and others an old woman. It was a perfect example of how two people can see the same picture but see it in vastly different ways.
He also encouraged students to walk away if they get upset, take a deep breath, and then work on the conflict resolution. “We all have different kinds of feelings - inside feelings are called emotions and outside feelings are like boo boos.”
Letting others know how you feel is an important part of conflict resolution. He said people may not realize how words or actions have hurt someone. Another important part of conflict resolution is brainstorming ways to solve the conflict so both sides feel good. Sometimes, that involves negotiating and compromise.
Incorporating a little magic, a bit of illusion and a lot of comedy, he kept students engaged throughout the 45-minute show.
He said it’s also a good idea to remember to put yourself in others’ shoes sometimes to help understand the conflict. “That’s respect,” he said.
The show aligns with the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) goals that encourage students to be safe, respectful, and responsible.