Frequently Asked Questions

 

What elements comprise your system and for whom is it designed?

In order to directly address the issues that concern you most, like bullying and classroom safety, Culturesmith offers a developmental Peace Practices curriculum based in Martial Nonviolence (MNv), which creates an ordered environment based on the Japanese dojo in which children and adults practice peace as though it were a martial art. Presupposing the pedagogical system originated by Dr. Maria Montessori, Martial Nonviolence is a Process Arts which combines aikido, theater improvisation, and facilitation skills. The curriculum is ready for persons as young as six years of age and may continue to be practiced and deeper expertise developed regardless of age. All that is required is the capacity to communicate, the realization that conflict may be done poorly or well, and the decision to practice the latter.

 

What happens if we express interest?

Brandon WilliamsCraig makes contact to respond to your questions personally and address any concerns. Then we schedule a free introductory meeting which must include all persons involved in making the policy and financial decisions to begin working together. If the Faculty and Staff involved in that introduction wish to move forward, a proposal is created which includes projections having to do with curricular scope, depth of practice, people participating, and cost.

 

Can our group begin with a portion of your offering without fully including it in our curriculum?

Absolutely. If you would like to have us present an in-service, or targetted training, one can be created to address your needs directly. We also design and offer facilitated processes, from emergency interventions to long-term consulting and safe-school in-services, which deliver specific exercises guaranteed to improve your capacity for working through conflict.