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= Welcome Day Breakers! =

Many of your questions will be answered as we read **__Sold__ this week! We will learn Lakshmi's fate and how she comes to be sold into sex trafficking. Also today, your first source for your project is due! No class tomorrow! **
 * March 30, 2011**

This week, we will wrap up our discussion on judgement. Also, each student will decide on a project topic and write a research question. Last, we will continue to read **__Sold__**!
 * March 23-34, 2011**

No Classes!
 * March 16-17, 2011**

This week, we will introduce the foundations of communication for conflict resolution. Be prepared to discuss communication openly! Also, your course project will be introduced!
 * March 9-10, 2011**

Interim progress reports are due by the end of this week! Your class participation, attendance, journals, journal reflections, and other class work will all count toward your grade. If you have any conflict journals that you would like to turn in, now is the time!
 * March 2-3, 2011**

This week, we will complete the first section of conflict management by wrapping up our discussions on anger. In addition, we will continue on with **__Sold__**.

It was exciting and interesting to read the Journal Reflections from last week! We will continue to analyze individual/interpersonal conflicts as the course continues. This week, we will explore **Anger**, its roots, causes, and symptoms. Be prepared to look at this common emotion in a brand new way!
 * February 23-24, 2011**

Also, we will begin to look at issues of international conflict. After completing some pre-reading materials, we will begin to read **__Sold__** and learn about Lakshmi's transition into adulthood.

This week, we will continue to explore internal conflicts and discuss healthy management techniques. We will also discuss the Conflict Journal and complete a reflection on one of these journal entries.
 * February 17-18, 2011**

Finally, we will begin a pre-reading activity for the novel **__Sold,__** by Patricia McCormick. What do we already know about Nepal and India? What connections can we make to children growing up in these regions? How does the global issue of human trafficking impact us? These are some of the questions we will explore as we activate our knowledge.

This week, we will analyze conflict management styles in greater depth. People generally handle conflicts in five different ways: Avoiding, Accomodating, Competing, Compromising, and Collaborating. For more information on these styles, click on the Conflict Management Style page.
 * February 10-11, 2011**

We will also be exploring internal conflicts this week. Emotional scars and everyday frustrations impact our individual ability to manage conflict in our lives. What are some of the healthy things we do to manage our emotions?

**Assignment:**

Conflict Journal Keep a journal of any conflicts you experience or observe. In the journal, you should include: - a brief description of the conflict. - an explanation of how the conflict was handled. - the conflict management style(s) used during the conflict.

Please make three entries per week. The conflict you describe can be an ordinary problem in your life, such as needing money to put gas in your car. Or, it can be a serious conflict you experience or observe, such as a physical fight.

Welcome to the Conflict Resolution Independent Study! Today, we will be spending some time getting to know each other and setting guidelines for the classes to come. In addition, we will take an individual survey to learn more about ourselves and how we deal with conflict. Finally, we will go over this Wikispace and complete a short assignment on the computer.
 * February 3, 2011**

This website is a space for you to complete work, stay up-to-date on classroom activities, and to explore the topic of conflict resolution further. If you have any questions, feel free to ask or email me along the way at: nobrien@bensalemsd.org