Final answer:
Upon noticing a conflict between children, staying calm, listening attentively and offering a neutral space for each child to express themselves is essential. Use open-ended questions and restate their points to facilitate understanding and to focus on collaborative problem-solving.
Step-by-step explanation:
When you first notice a conflict between children, the initial step is to remain calm and attempt to listen to all parties involved. It's crucial to choose your words carefully to avoid exacerbating the situation. Providing a neutral space for each child to express themselves is essential. You should ask open-ended questions to better understand each child's perspective. This approach promotes active listening and ensures that you are not taking sides or assigning blame precipitously. Restating what each child says helps to clarify their points and confirms that they are being heard, which is affirming and can de-escalate tension. Once the situation is understood, focus on solving the problem collaboratively, through a strategy that respects each child's feelings and viewpoints, to build bridges and maintain positive relationships.