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Conflict Crew: Communication & Resolution

Lesson Plan

Conflict Crew: Communication & Resolution

Students will learn and practice active listening, 'I' statements, and basic mediation steps to resolve conflicts respectfully.

This lesson empowers students to navigate disagreements constructively, fostering positive relationships and a more harmonious environment.

Audience

3rd to 8th Grade Students

Time

45 minutes

Approach

Role-playing and group discussions.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Markers or pens, Conflict Crew Slide Deck, Role-Play Scenario Cards, and "I" Statement Worksheet

Prep

Prepare Materials

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Hook

5 minutes

  • Begin by asking students: "Who here has ever had a disagreement with a friend or family member?" (Allow for a show of hands).
    - Introduce the idea that conflicts are normal but learning how to handle them is a superpower.
    - Present the lesson's objective using the Conflict Crew Slide Deck (Slide 1-2).

Step 2

Active Listening

10 minutes

  • Explain active listening using the Conflict Crew Slide Deck (Slide 3-4).
    - Emphasize key components: eye contact, nodding, summarizing what the other person said.
    - Facilitate a quick pair-share activity where students practice active listening with a simple topic (e.g., "Tell your partner about your favorite food").

Step 3

"I" Statements

10 minutes

  • Introduce "I" statements as a way to express feelings without blaming using the Conflict Crew Slide Deck (Slide 5-6).
    - Provide examples: "You always interrupt me" vs. "I feel frustrated when I don't get a chance to share my ideas."
    - Distribute the "I" Statement Worksheet and have students complete the practice exercises individually or in pairs.

Step 4

Role-Play Scenarios & Mediation Steps

15 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group).
    - Distribute one Role-Play Scenario Card to each group.
    - Explain the basic mediation steps: 1. Find a calm space. 2. Each person shares their side using "I" statements and active listening. 3. Brainstorm solutions. 4. Choose a solution that works for both.
    - Have groups act out their scenarios, applying active listening, "I" statements, and mediation steps.
    - Circulate to provide support and guidance.

Step 5

Debrief & Conclusion

5 minutes

  • Bring the class back together.
    - Ask groups to share one successful strategy they used or one challenge they faced during the role-play.
    - Summarize the key takeaways: communication is key, "I" statements help express feelings, and mediation provides a path to resolution.
    - Conclude by reinforcing that these are skills they can use every day! (Slide 7 on Conflict Crew Slide Deck)
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Slide Deck

Conflict Crew: Communication & Resolution

Your Superpower for Solving Disagreements!

Welcome students. Ask them if they've ever had a disagreement. Introduce the idea that conflicts are normal but learning how to handle them is a superpower. Introduce the lesson's objective.

Our Mission: Be a Conflict Crew Member!

We will learn to:

  • Listen Actively
  • Use "I" Statements
  • Work Together to Solve Problems

Explain the objective: learning active listening, 'I' statements, and mediation steps.

Active Listening: Ears Open, Brain Engaged!

What does it mean to really listen?

  • Give the speaker your full attention.
  • Don't interrupt.
  • Try to understand their feelings and what they need.

Introduce active listening as truly hearing what the other person is saying.

Show You're Listening!

Look at the person who is talking.
Nod to show you understand.
Summarize what they said: "So, if I understand correctly, you feel..."

Explain how to show you're listening. Facilitate the quick pair-share practice.

"I" Statements: Speak Your Feelings, Not Blame!

Instead of:
"You always hog the ball!"
Try:
"I feel frustrated when I don't get a chance to play with the ball."

Introduce "I" statements as a way to express feelings without blaming. Provide the contrasting examples.

Building an "I" Statement

I feel [feeling] when [what happened] because [why it matters to you]. I need [what you need].

Example: "I feel sad when you don't invite me to play because I feel left out. I need to be included sometimes."

Explain the structure of an "I" statement. Have students work on the worksheet.

Mediating Conflict: Working Towards Solutions

  1. Find a calm space.
  2. Each person shares their side using "I" statements and active listening.
  3. Brainstorm solutions together.
  4. Choose a solution that works for everyone.

Review the mediation steps. Prepare students for role-playing. Provide scenario cards and circulate to support.

Conflict Crew: Mission Accomplished!

You now have tools to:

  • Listen better
  • Express yourselves clearly
  • Work together to solve problems!

Keep practicing your superpower!

Debrief the activity. Ask for successful strategies or challenges. Emphasize that these skills can be used in daily life.

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Activity

Role-Play Scenario Cards

Instructions: In your groups, choose one scenario. Act out the conflict, practicing active listening, "I" statements, and the mediation steps to find a peaceful solution.

Scenario 1: The Borrowed Toy

Characters: Alex and Ben

Situation: Ben borrowed Alex's favorite toy car without asking. When Alex found out, the car was broken. Ben says it was already broken. Alex is upset.

Scenario 2: The Group Project Mess-Up

Characters: Maya and Chloe

Situation: Maya and Chloe are working on a school project together. Chloe was supposed to bring materials, but she forgot them on the day they planned to work, causing them to fall behind. Maya is annoyed because she feels Chloe isn't taking it seriously. Chloe says she was just really busy.

Scenario 3: The Lunch Table Dispute

Characters: Sam and David

Situation: Sam saved a seat for his friend at the lunch table. David came and sat in that seat, refusing to move. Sam feels disrespected and angry. David says it's a free seat.

Scenario 4: The Playground Game

Characters: Emily and Sarah

Situation: Emily and Sarah are playing a game on the playground, but they can't agree on the rules. Each thinks their way is the correct way, and they are getting frustrated with each other.

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Worksheet

"I" Statement Worksheet

Name: _________________________

Instructions: Read each blaming statement. Rewrite it as an "I" statement, focusing on your feelings and needs.

Remember the "I" Statement Formula:

I feel [feeling] when [what happened] because [why it matters to you]. I need [what you need].

Practice Problems:

1. Blaming Statement: "You never let me talk!"

Your "I" Statement:






2. Blaming Statement: "You always take my things without asking!"

Your "I" Statement:






3. Blaming Statement: "You're being so mean to me!"

Your "I" Statement:






4. Blaming Statement: "You made me spill my milk!"

Your "I" Statement:






5. Blaming Statement: "You think you're better than everyone else!"

Your "I" Statement:






Challenge Question:

Think about a small disagreement you've had recently. How could you have used an "I" statement to express your feelings and needs?













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