BeCool Upper Elementary

Conflict resolution is one of the most important life skills a child can learn. From dealing with difficult classmates to navigating family dynamics, the ability to handle conflict effectively can make all the difference in a child\u2019s social and emotional development.

BeCool Upper Elementary is a video-based conflict management program designed especially for students in grades 3\u20135 (ages 8\u201311). Each of the five modules focuses on a specific aspect of conflict resolution, including identifying and managing difficult emotions, understanding the perspectives of others, and using effective communication.

Through peer video modeling, students watch age-matched peers demonstrate HOT, COLD, and COOL responses to real-world provocations\u2014then discuss what went right and what went wrong. This approach is far more engaging than traditional lecture-based instruction because students see kids their own age navigating the exact pressures they face every day. The program provides practical tools students can use in everyday interactions, such as \u201cI\u201d statements and reflective listening.

In addition to the video modules, you will receive comprehensive teacher\u2019s guides that include activities, discussion questions, and reproducible handouts to reinforce the concepts covered in each lesson. BeCool Upper Elementary is available as a standalone license or as part of the Stanfield+ subscription (99/yr for your school\u2019s full digital library).

The BeCool program is designed to address four classes of difficult behaviors that can be expressed by others: Criticism, Teasing, Bullying, Anger/Others, and Anger/Self.

The program does not encourage violent behavior, nor is it solely a violence prevention program. Instead, it teaches self-control in managing conflicts in everyday situations, such as sharing, keeping promises, peer pressure, and handling frustration.

By offering over 20 assertive techniques to cope with conflict, the BeCool program helps students manage some of the most challenging problems they may face.

Throughout the program, students are introduced to characters who are challenged by difficult people who are trying to intimidate or manipulate them. The students are then taught three different ways to respond: blowing up or HOT, giving up or COLD, and being in control or COOL.

The negative consequences of the \u201cgiving up response\u201d and the \u201cblowing up response\u201d are then contrasted against the positive outcomes of the \u201cbeing in control response.\u201d By showing examples of how to approach conflicts in a positive way, students can see how their actions impact the problem-solving process.

The program provides an engaging and interactive way for students to learn crucial conflict-resolution skills. The video modeling approach allows students to see realistic scenarios and how to apply the different techniques taught in the program. It is not just about theory, but hands-on experience that can help students remember the skills and use them when necessary.

Module 1: Coping With Criticism

We all face criticism at some point in our lives, and it can be difficult to know how to handle it. This module teaches your students how to distinguish between valid and invalid criticism and how to cope with each.

They will learn skills such as active listening, reflective thinking, and assertive communication. These skills will help them understand where the criticism is coming from, how to evaluate it effectively, and how to respond in a way that is both professional and healthy.

Module 2: Coping With Teasing

Teasing is a common occurrence among children, and it can be difficult for them to know how to respond appropriately. This module presents the negative consequences of dealing with teasing in a HOT or COLD way and offers techniques for coping with teasing the COOL way.

Your students will learn how to identify different types of teasing and how to respond with humor, empathy, and assertiveness. They will also learn how to avoid escalating the situation and how to seek help from adults when necessary.

Module 3: Coping With Bullying

Bullying can have a significant impact on a child\u2019s emotional and physical well-being, and it is essential to teach children how to cope with it. In this module, students will learn how to respond to bullying situations using a variety of techniques.

They will be taught how to feel more comfortable and prepared, so they don\u2019t escalate bullying but diffuse it instead.

Module 4: Coping With Anger/Others

Anger is an emotion that can be tough to manage, especially for children. This module aims to teach students the drawbacks of reacting to someone else\u2019s anger with either a passive or aggressive response. Instead, they will learn how to effectively resolve conflicts with the BeCOOL 4-Step Plan.

Module 5: Coping With Anger/Self

Coping with anger towards oneself is an essential skill, and this module helps students to develop it. Students learn how to act assertively on angry feelings they have towards others.

By using the BeCOOL 4-Step Plan, they will gain tools to understand their anger and manage it in healthy ways.

In a world where social and emotional skills are more important than ever, BeCool Upper Elementary can make a real difference in your classroom. By teaching your students important skills like communication, emotional regulation, problem-solving, confidence, and more, you are preparing them for a successful future.

Educators who have implemented BeCool report measurable improvements in classroom climate\u2014fewer disruptions, more collaborative group work, and students who are willing to talk through disagreements instead of shutting down or lashing out. The video modeling approach makes lessons memorable because students see peers just like them practicing the COOL response in real time.

Empowering students with these skills will improve their grades, relationships with others, and life in general. It is our duty as educators to provide students with the tools they need to succeed, both academically and socially.

Consider incorporating BeCool Upper Elementary into your curriculum and see the benefits for yourself. This program is included in the Stanfield+ subscription (99/yr), giving your school access to the full Stanfield digital library.