Managing
Groups of Kids
Credit: This photograph is from
Corel Print Office, 1998, Corel Corporation.
After completing this lesson, you should understand the
following concepts and know how to apply them when working with youth:
- How a group develops;
- Resolving conflict that emerges in youth groups;
- Preventing and managing difficult behaviors;
- Optimizing group learning and growth by using conflict
management strategies and principles.
Instruction:
"There is
always one moment in childhood
When the door opens and lets the future in."
-- Graham Greene,
from The Power and the Glory
Volunteers who work with kids face many challenges. Members of the group bring with
them a wide variety of backgrounds, interests, and abilities. Occasionally, because of
differing interests, conflict may emerge. A group leader must manage the differences among
the group members while maintaining the group's interest in the activities and lessons at
hand.
This lesson will help you to: (1) learn about how a group develops; (2) learn how to
deal with demanding or difficult behaviors and optimize group learning and growth; and (3)
understand group conflict and give ideas on how to manage it.
Test Your Knowledge
of Group Management
How much
do you already know about managing kids successfully? Take the quiz
and find out.
Learn How to
Effectively Manage
Groups of Kids
Part One: Understanding Groups
 
Credit: This photograph is from
Corel Print Office, 1998, Corel Corporation.
- Understanding How Groups
Work
This section provides some insight about how groups function. You will also learn a few
strategies for fostering group unity.
Part Two: Understanding
and Dealing with Conflict Between Kids
 
Credit: This photograph is from
Corel Print Office, 1998, Corel Corporation.
Part Two will focus on conflict that may occur
between kids in your group.
Part Three: Dealing with Difficult Behaviors and Fighting
 
Credit: This photograph is
from Corel Print Office, 1998, Corel Corporation.
Part Three will help you to understand difficult behaviors and ways to
deal with it.
To further your understanding of youth development and your knowledge of the kids you
work with, please make sure you have completed the Lesson 4
Activities.
Don’t forget to let us know what you thought of this lesson by completing an evaluation form.
Click here to continue with Lesson 5
"Working with Parents and Other Adults."
References
Bee, H. L. (1998). Lifespan Development. 2nd ed. Longman: New York.
DeRossier, M. E. et al. (1994).Group social context and children’s aggressive
behavior. Child Development, 65, 1068-1079.
Dreikurs, R., Grunwald, B. B., & Pepper, F. C. (1982). Maintaining sanity in the
classroom: Classroom Management techniques. 2nd ed. Harper and Row: New York.
Halberstadt, A. G., & Ellyson, S. L. (1990). Social Psychology Readings: A
Century of Research. McGraw-Hill, Inc: New York
Leadership and teaching techniques. (1998). Welcome to the World of 4-H: Basics For
New Leaders. Oregon State University Extension Service.
Leadership Skills You Never Outgrow: Leader’s Guide. (1986). 4-H: Urbana,
Illinois.
McClure, B. A., Miller, G. A., & Russo, T. J. (1992). Conflict within a
children’s group: Suggestions for facilitating its expression and resolution
strategies. The School Counselor, 39, 268-272.
Miller, P. H. (1993). Theories of Developmental Psychology. 3rd ed.
W.H. Freeman and Co.: New York.
Palomares, U. et al., (1975). A curriculum on conflict management. U.S.A.
Wicks-Nelson, R., & Israel, C. I. (1997). Behavior Disorders of Childhood. 3rd
ed. Prentice Hall: New Jersey.
1998 Camping Resource Material Packet. Missourt 4-H Youth Development Programs. Ohio
State University
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