Lesson Plan
The Art of Constructive Conversation
Students will learn and practice effective communication strategies to resolve conflicts peacefully, focusing on active listening, "I" statements, and finding common ground.
Effective communication is a vital life skill. This lesson will equip students with tools to navigate disagreements constructively, leading to stronger relationships and a more harmonious environment.
Audience
7th Grade Class
Time
60 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, direct instruction, and role-playing to build practical communication skills.
Prep
Review Materials
15 minutes
- Review the The Art of Constructive Conversation Lesson Plan, Words That Build Bridges Not Walls Slide Deck, Conflict Resolution Role-Play Scenarios Activity, and My Communication Toolkit Worksheet to familiarize yourself with the content and activities.
- Prepare copies of the My Communication Toolkit Worksheet for each student.
- Cut out the scenarios from the Conflict Resolution Role-Play Scenarios Activity or prepare to display them.
Step 1
Warm-Up: Conflict Connection (5 min)
5 minutes
Begin by asking students: "Think of a time you had a disagreement with someone. How did it make you feel? How did you try to solve it?" Allow a few students to share brief, high-level responses without going into detail about the specific conflict. Emphasize that disagreements are normal and today we'll learn how to handle them constructively.
Step 2
Direct Instruction: Communication Cornerstones (15 min)
15 minutes
Present the Words That Build Bridges Not Walls Slide Deck.
- Slide 1-2: Introduction to Conflict: Discuss that conflict isn't always bad, but how we respond matters.
- Slide 3: Active Listening: Explain what it is (paying full attention, not interrupting, repeating back what you hear) and why it's important. Provide examples.
- Slide 4: "I" Statements: Teach students how to express their feelings and needs without blaming others (e.g., "I feel X when Y happens because Z"). Provide sentence starters.
- Slide 5: Finding Common Ground: Discuss looking for shared interests or goals to reach a solution. Explain brainstorming solutions together.
Step 3
Practice: Active Listening Pairs (10 min)
10 minutes
Pair students up. Give each pair a simple, low-stakes prompt (e.g., "Tell your partner about your favorite thing to do on the weekend and why."). One partner speaks for 1-2 minutes, the other actively listens and then summarizes what they heard. Then, they switch roles. Emphasize focusing on understanding, not just waiting to speak.
Step 4
Activity: Role-Play Resolution (20 min)
20 minutes
Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group). Hand out the Conflict Resolution Role-Play Scenarios Activity.
- Each group chooses a scenario (or you assign one).
- Students in each group will take turns role-playing the conflict, focusing on using active listening and "I" statements to work towards a resolution.
- Circulate among groups, providing guidance and feedback. Encourage students to try different approaches and discuss what felt effective.
Step 5
Wrap-Up: My Communication Toolkit (10 min)
10 minutes
Distribute the My Communication Toolkit Worksheet.
- Students will complete the worksheet, reflecting on the communication strategies discussed and practiced.
- Ask students to share one key takeaway from the lesson or one strategy they plan to use in the future. Collect worksheets as an exit ticket or for further discussion.
Slide Deck
Can We Talk It Out?
How do you handle disagreements?
Greet students and introduce the day's topic: how we talk to each other when we disagree. Ask them to think about times they've had disagreements.
What Is Conflict?
Conflict is a disagreement or argument.
It's a natural part of relationships, but how we deal with it makes all the difference.
Explain that conflict isn't always negative. It's a natural part of life and can even lead to positive change if handled well. Emphasize that it's how we deal with conflict that matters.
Conflict: Good or Bad?
Destructive Conflict:
- Blaming others
- Yelling or name-calling
- Refusing to listen
- Escalating the problem
Constructive Conflict:
- Focusing on the problem, not the person
- Listening respectfully
- Expressing feelings clearly
- Finding solutions together
Discuss the difference between constructive and destructive conflict. Constructive conflict focuses on solving the problem, while destructive conflict often involves blaming and escalating the issue.
Communication Toolkit: Active Listening
Truly hearing what the other person is saying, and showing them you understand.
How to do it:
- Make eye contact
- Don't interrupt
- Nod or give verbal cues (e.g., "I see," "Uh-huh")
- Paraphrase what they said: "So, what I hear you saying is..."
Introduce Active Listening. Explain that it's more than just hearing words; it's about understanding the other person's perspective. Give examples like making eye contact, nodding, and paraphrasing what the other person said.
Communication Toolkit: "I" Statements
Expressing your feelings and needs without blaming or accusing.
Formula:
"I feel [emotion] when [specific behavior] because [reason]."
Example:
Instead of: "You always ignore me!"
Try: "I feel frustrated when my ideas are overlooked because I want to contribute."
Introduce "I" Statements as a way to express feelings without making the other person feel attacked. Provide the template: "I feel [emotion] when [specific behavior] because [reason]." Give a clear example.
Communication Toolkit: Finding Common Ground
Working together to find solutions that address everyone's needs and concerns.
How to do it:
- Brainstorm ideas together
- Focus on shared goals
- Be willing to compromise
- Look for win-win solutions
Explain that finding common ground means looking for solutions that benefit everyone. It might involve compromise or brainstorming new ideas together.
Time to Practice!
Now, let's put these tools into action!
We're going to work in small groups to practice using active listening and "I" statements to resolve conflicts.
Transition to the activity. Explain that students will get to practice these skills with some role-play scenarios.
Your Communication Power!
You now have a toolkit for handling disagreements constructively.
Remember:
- Listen actively
- Use "I" statements
- Look for common ground
Practice these skills to build stronger relationships!
Conclude by encouraging students to use these skills in their daily lives. Remind them that practice makes perfect when it comes to communication.
Activity
Conflict Resolution Role-Play Scenarios
Objective: Practice using active listening and "I" statements to resolve conflicts constructively.
Instructions:
- Form small groups of 3-4 students.
- Choose one scenario from the options below (or your teacher will assign one).
- Assign roles within your group (e.g., Person A, Person B, Observer/Mediator).
- Role-play the scenario, focusing on:
- Using Active Listening: Really hear what the other person is saying. Try to paraphrase their points.
- Using "I" Statements: Express your feelings and needs without blaming.
- Working towards Finding Common Ground: Try to brainstorm solutions that could satisfy everyone involved.
- Discuss after each role-play:
- What went well?
- What was challenging?
- What communication strategies were most effective?
- How could it have gone differently?
Scenario 1: The Group Project Glitch
Person A and Person B are working on a group project due tomorrow. Person B hasn't done their part, and Person A is worried about their grade. Person A is feeling stressed and frustrated. Person B says they were busy with something else and didn't think it was a big deal.
Conflict: Unequal effort in a group project.
Scenario 2: The Borrowed Item Blunder
Person A lent their favorite book (or video game, or jacket) to Person B a week ago, and Person B hasn't returned it. Person A needs it back and is annoyed that Person B hasn't returned it or even mentioned it. Person B forgot they had it and is surprised Person A is upset.
Conflict: Unreturned borrowed item causing frustration.
Scenario 3: The Lunch Table Mix-Up
Person A usually sits at a specific table for lunch with their friends. Today, Person B and their friends are sitting there, and there isn't enough room. Person A feels displaced and a bit angry. Person B says they didn't realize it was Person A's usual spot and offers to make room or find another spot if needed.
Conflict: Disagreement over shared space.
Worksheet
My Communication Toolkit
Name: _________________________ Date: _____________
Part 1: Defining Our Tools
-
What is Active Listening? Explain in your own words what it means to actively listen.
-
Why is Active Listening important in a conflict?
-
What is an "I" Statement? How is it different from a "You" Statement?
-
Write an example of an "I" Statement for the following situation:
- Situation: Your friend borrowed your art supplies and returned them messy.
- Your "I" Statement:
-
What does it mean to "Find Common Ground" when resolving a conflict?
Part 2: Reflection & Application
-
Think about the role-play activity or a recent disagreement you had. Which communication strategy (Active Listening, "I" Statements, Finding Common Ground) do you think is most challenging for you to use effectively? Why?
-
Which communication strategy do you think is most important for resolving conflicts peacefully? Explain your choice.
-
What is one specific communication goal you have for yourself after this lesson? (e.g., "I will try to use one 'I' statement this week," or "I will focus on paraphrasing what others say.")