Playground Scenarios Worksheet

Use this worksheet to analyze and resolve playground conflicts. Work with your group to fill in each section, using strategies from the Conflict Resolution Strategies Poster.

Scenario 1: Excluding a Classmate

A group is playing four‐square at recess. Two students intentionally ignore a third student’s attempts to join the game. The excluded student looks upset and walks away.

1. Roles (list names and roles – e.g., Player A, Player B, Excluded Student):
   
   
   

2. Which conflict resolution strategy will you use? (Name and briefly describe):
   
   
   

3. Resolution Plan – Step by step, how will you help everyone feel included and solve this problem?
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Reflection – After your role-play, what went well? What could you try differently next time?
   
   
   
   

Scenario 2: Dispute Over Swing Turns

Two friends reach the swing at the same time. One says “I was here first,” while the other says, “No, I waited longer in line.” Both refuse to step aside.

1. Roles (list names and roles):
   
   
   

2. Which conflict resolution strategy will you use? (Name and briefly describe):
   
   
   

3. Resolution Plan – How will you help them take turns fairly?
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Reflection – What worked in your solution? What might you adjust?
   
   
   
   

Scenario 3: Rule Argument in Kickball

During kickball, one player insists on changing the rules so their team wins. Teammates on both sides begin to argue, and the game stops.

1. Roles (list names and roles):
   
   
   

2. Which conflict resolution strategy will you use? (Name and briefly describe):
   
   
   

3. Resolution Plan – How will you guide everyone back to playing by fair rules?
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Reflection – Which part of your plan helped calm the disagreement? What else could help next time?
   
   
   
   

Scenario 4: Teasing on the Playground

A student teases another about their clothing. Laughter follows, and the teased student looks embarrassed and hurt.

1. Roles (list names and roles):
   
   
   

2. Which conflict resolution strategy will you use? (Name and briefly describe):
   
   
   

3. Resolution Plan – How will you stop the teasing and support the hurt student?
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Reflection – How did using your chosen strategy impact the situation? What would you recommend to classmates next time?
   
   
   
   

Personal Commitment

Pick one conflict resolution strategy you’ve practiced today. Write how you will use it the next time a disagreement arises on the playground:

Conflict Resolution Strategies Poster

Use these simple steps to solve playground conflicts fairly and peacefully!

🗣️ Use “I” Statements

• Speak calmly and focus on your own feelings.
• Example: “I feel upset when I can’t get a turn.”

🤝 Active Listening

• Take turns listening without interrupting.
• Repeat back what you heard to make sure both sides feel understood.

⚖️ Find a Compromise

• Brainstorm solutions that meet everyone’s needs.
• Agree on a fair choice, even if it’s not exactly what you wanted.

🧘 Take a Break

• Step away for a moment to cool down.
• Use deep breaths or count to five before returning to talk.

🆘 Ask for Help

• If you can’t solve it together, seek an adult or trusted friend to mediate.

Keep this poster in mind the next time a disagreement arises—play nice and stay respectful!

Playground Values Warm-Up

Time: 5 minutes
Materials: Chart paper and markers, sticky notes (or index cards)

1. Think–Pair–Share (3 minutes)

• Prompt: “What makes recess fun and fair for everyone?”
• Step 1 (1 min): Students jot down 1–2 ideas on a sticky note.
• Step 2 (2 min): Turn to a partner, share your ideas, and look for common themes.

2. Whole-Group Share (1 minute)

• Ask pairs to stick one of their ideas on the chart paper under the heading “Fun & Fair Playground”.
• Quickly scan the chart and highlight recurring ideas (e.g., taking turns, including others, playing by the rules).

3. Connect to Key Values (30 seconds)

• Teacher says: “Many of your ideas show three big values we’ll practice today:”
  • Cooperation
  • Respect
  • Conflict Resolution

4. Quick Vote (30 seconds)

• On a new sticky note, each student writes one of these three values they think is most important for a fair playground today.
• Place your note under the matching value on the chart.

Transition: Point to the value with the most votes and say, “Great—today we’ll learn how to build on these values so recess is fun and fair for everyone!”

Playground Exit Ticket

Use a strategy from the Conflict Resolution Strategies Poster to guide your behavior tomorrow at recess.

1. Strategy I will use at recess tomorrow:

2. How I will apply this strategy to play nicely:

Turn in your exit ticket as you leave today.