About Kelso

Kelso’s Choice is a leading K–5 educational program that empowers children to navigate life’s challenges through three foundational curricula: Conflict Management, Character Building, and Emotional Regulation. With over two decades of impact in schools nationwide, Kelso’s Choice equips young learners with practical tools to resolve conflicts peacefully, make responsible choices, and manage their emotions—all through engaging, developmentally appropriate lessons.

Our flagship curriculum, Conflict Management, introduces kids to Kelso the Frog, a relatable character who guides students in distinguishing between big problems that require adult help and small problems they can solve on their own. Through the iconic Kelso’s Choice Wheel and interactive activities, children learn nine constructive strategies to manage peer conflicts.

Kelso’s Choice offers

Conflict Management Curriculum: Teaches students how to identify problems and choose peaceful solutions, fostering confidence and a sense of agency.

Character Building Curriculum: Reinforces values like Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Fairness and Honesty through story-based lessons and role-play.

Emotional Regulation Curriculum: Helps children recognize, name, and manage their feelings using visual tools, mindfulness strategies, and self-reflection prompts.

Designed for classroom, small group, and school-wide implementation, Kelso’s Choice is trusted by educators, counselors, and caregivers for its simplicity, adaptability, and lasting impact. The program promotes safer, more inclusive learning environments where every child is empowered to be a confident problem-solver and compassionate community member.

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What People Are Saying

Kelso’s Choices has impacted my school site tremendously. The program is engaging and easy to implement.

Lauren Link School Counselor
I highly recommend this program for anyone who works with children.

Kerri Stritchfield School Counselor, Butte Vista Elementary
The students and their teachers love the problem solving skills Kelso teaches them.

King Avenue Elementary Yuba City, CA
We use a non threatening frog puppet to teach children how to solve problems in a peaceful way. Communities need to work together to promote a healthy, nonviolent environment for children from infancy through the teenage years. Teachers who participated in the Kelso’s Choice program during its first year reported a significant decrease in physical conflicts and tattling.

Kathy Trainer School Counselor