What is Kelso's Choice?

Kelso's Choice is a conflict-management system that ties into Summit's school-wide efforts to support positive behavior and provide consistency and structure around it. Kelso is a frog; a frog who helps students make positive choices around small problems.

Children are encouraged to pick one or two of nine "choices" when confronted with what is called a "small problem." 

Visit the program's website to find resources for parents around using Kelso's Choice at school and at home.

Small Problems
Can be solved on your own

Tends to cause "small" feelings like: 

  • annoyance

  • embarrassment

  • boredom

  • frustration

  • etc.

Big Problems
Must always be taken to an adult

Consist of situations or "big" feelings that are:

  • scary

  • dangerous

  • illegal

  • sets off alarms

The Choices: Good for Solving Small Problems

Kelso's Choice Wheel is a visual tool that helps kids pick options for dealing with minor frustrations. The teachers and caregivers are to redirect when a child wishes to involve an adult in "small problems" - you can do this by offering the child to try one or two of these options before returning to attempt to involve an adult. 

  • Go to another game

  • Talk it out

  • Share and take turns

  • Ignore it

  • Walk away

  • Tell them to stop

  • Apologize

  • Make a deal

  • Wait and cool off

kelso wheel