In 1999, no single curriculum was available to meet state requirements for conflict resolution, anger management, communication skills, interpersonal skills, bullying prevention, character education, and cultural diversity issues.
School Counselor and Counseling Psychologist Dr. Helen McIntosh wanted students to learn life skills in these areas since many children witness and possibly experience domestic abuse, violence, and neglect; many came to school hungry and had other difficulties.
She believed that children should be equipped to speak up for themselves since seldom in "real life" does one have a facilitator or mediator to settle disputes. She wanted children to know how to solve their own problems without adult intervention and wanted students to "find their voice" and not be intimidated by others.
How to do this in many classrooms with children of diverse backgrounds?
After praying months for the solution, she got her answer in the middle of one night in September 1999 — The Peace Rug. More than 100 staff members unanimously gave her permission to test her new concept with 750 students. After two weeks, all students were trained to use The Peace Rug, and teachers reported there were no more unresolved conflicts in their classrooms. Students even referred themselves to The Peace Rug when a problem arose. There was peace in the school — even on the playground!
Students asked, "Could we do this at home? I fight with my brothers and sisters all the time." Days later, they reported, "We don't fight anymore, and we ask Mom and Dad to go to The Peace Rug so that they won't fight, either."
Because other teachers and parents asked to purchase The Peace Rug, this unique, research-based and proven effective curriculum is now available for homes as well as schools.
