Persona dolls offer the children opportunities to act out real life incidents and experiment with role playing. In the East Wing classroom, we have introduced dolls named Hector, Jane, Jill, and Sylvester and given them background stories. We use these characters during morning and afternoon circle time to play out common encounters and to encourage empathy and problem solving.
When we saw the children using the dolls independently, we paid close attention.
Palmer playing with two persona dolls named Jane and Jill who were in conflict in a scene in the Front Yard. Jane and Jill are painting at the easels. Jane: “I want red paint.” Jill: “No, I want it.” Jane: “I want the red paint.” Jill: “I want it!” Then Jill kicked Jane in the face.
Harel observing from the House Area loft: Take a deep breath.
Henry playing close by at the marble table: They need to go get a teacher.
Palmer pretends both persona dolls take a deep breath: Jill: “Can I go first?” Jane: “You always go first. You go first on bowling. You go first in Jane and Jill.” Palmer motions Jane and Jill fighting again.
Teacher Silvana: Harel mentioned to take a deep breath. When do you know to take a deep breath?
Palmer: When you know you’re getting angry, you take a deep breath (she returns to the narrative). ‘Jane and Jill knew they were getting angry again. They took a deep breath.’
Henry: They need to talk to each other.
Teacher Silvana: What would Jane and Jill say to each other?
Henry: They say the words what will make you feel better.
Palmer: Then they talked to each other. Jill: “I’m sorry I hurt you. Are you okay?” Jane: “No, I’m not okay.” Jill: “What will make you feel better?” Jane: “An ice pack.”
The children expressed many conflict resolution strategies from this one persona doll storytelling experience:
- Take a deep breath.
- Reach out for support from a teacher.
- Talk to each other.
- Implement community language. Are you okay? What will make you feel better?
What sounds mindful and reasonable in the interactions with persona dolls by children who are engaged, focused, and playful can be difficult to remember in a moment of passion. The teachers wonder if the children will apply their strategies when they encounter conflict. -Teacher Silvana