Conflict Scenarios Cards

Instructions for Students:

Read each scenario below. With your group, discuss what is happening, how each person might feel, and what you can do to solve the conflict peacefully. Be ready to share your best solution!

Scenario 1: The Broken Toy

Leo accidentally stepped on Maria's favorite toy car and broke it. Maria is really upset and crying. Leo feels bad, but he doesn't know what to say.

Scenario 2: Lunchroom Line Jumpers

It's lunch time, and you've been waiting patiently in line. Suddenly, two kids push past you and your friend to get to the front. Your friend is annoyed and wants to tell them off.

Scenario 3: The Group Project Disagreement

You are working on a group project about animals. You want to research elephants, but your partner only wants to do lions. You both think your idea is the best, and you can't agree on what to do.

Scenario 4: Sharing the Ball

During recess, you and a friend both grab the same kickball at the exact same time. You both want to play with it, and neither of you wants to let go.

Conflict Commanders Script

Warm-Up: What's the Conflict? (3 minutes)

(Display Slide 1: Warm-Up: What's the Conflict? - Teacher notes for this slide: Greet students and introduce the warm-up. Encourage quick, honest answers to gauge prior understanding.)

"Good morning, future Conflict Commanders! Let's start by looking at some situations. I want you to tell me, what do you think is causing the problem in these pictures or scenarios? Raise your hand if you spot a conflict!"

(Allow a few students to share their observations. Validate their responses, focusing on identifying the problem.)

Introduction: Conflict Commanders! (2 minutes)

(Display Slide 2: Conflict Commanders! - Teacher notes for this slide: Introduce the lesson title and explain that today they will become 'Conflict Commanders' by learning how to handle disagreements respectfully.)

"Great job noticing those problems! Today, we're going to learn how to be super problem-solvers. We're going to become 'Conflict Commanders'! What do you think a commander does?"

(Allow students to share ideas, guiding them towards leadership, strategy, and problem-solving.)

"That's right! A commander leads. And as Conflict Commanders, we'll learn how to lead the way to solving problems and making sure everyone feels heard and respected."

(Display Slide 3: Why Are We Conflict Commanders? - Teacher notes for this slide: Explain the purpose of the lesson: learning to solve conflicts and communicate better.)

"Why is this important? Conflicts happen! It's okay. We will learn how to: understand why conflicts happen, talk about our feelings and listen to others, and find fair solutions together. These are super important skills for getting along with friends, family, and classmates."

Activity: Conflict Resolution Quest Game (8 minutes)

(Display Slide 4: Activity: Conflict Resolution Quest! - Teacher notes for this slide: Introduce the 'Conflict Resolution Quest' game. Explain that they will work in teams to solve different conflict scenarios.)

"Alright, Conflict Commanders, it's time for our mission! We're going on a 'Conflict Resolution Quest.' I'm going to give each group some Conflict Scenarios Cards. Your mission is to work together to solve these real-life conflict challenges."

"Here's how you'll do it:

1. Read the conflict scenario on your card.
2. Discuss with your team: What happened? How do you think the people in the scenario feel?
3. Brainstorm solutions: What are different ways you could solve this problem peacefully? Think about using your words, listening, and sharing.
4. Choose the best solution and be ready to share it with the class!"

(Distribute Conflict Scenarios Cards to small groups. Circulate among groups, providing guidance and prompting discussion. Encourage students to think about empathy and different perspectives.)

"You have about 6 minutes for this mission! Use your time wisely, and remember to listen to everyone's ideas."

(After 6 minutes, bring the class back together.)

"Time's up, commanders! Let's hear some of your brilliant solutions. Group 1, what was your scenario and how did you solve it?"

(Have 1-2 groups share their scenarios and solutions, briefly discussing their reasoning.)

Wrap-Up: Commander's Reflection (2 minutes)

(Display Slide 5: Commander's Reflection - Teacher notes for this slide: Lead a brief reflection on what they learned and how they can use these skills.)

"Fantastic work today, everyone! You truly are Conflict Commanders.

What new communication skills did you use today in your groups? (e.g., listening, sharing ideas, compromising, using 'I feel' statements).

How can you be a 'Conflict Commander' in your daily life? Think about how you can use these skills at home, at school, or with your friends."

(Allow a few students to share their reflections.)

"Remember, being a Conflict Commander means you're a leader in solving problems peacefully. Keep practicing these skills every day!"