Lesson Plan
Conflict Crew: Resolve Respectfully Lesson Plan
Students will learn and practice strategies for active listening, expressing needs calmly, understanding different perspectives, and finding mutually agreeable solutions to strengthen peer relationships.
Conflict is a natural part of life, and learning to resolve it respectfully helps students maintain healthy relationships, reduce stress, and build a positive school environment.
Audience
9th-12th Grade Students
Time
50 minutes
Approach
Through discussion, role-playing, and problem-solving, students will actively engage with conflict resolution strategies.
Materials
Whiteboard or Projector, Conflict Crew Slide Deck, Conflict Scenarios Worksheet, and Pens/Pencils
Prep
Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Conflict Crew Slide Deck content and teacher notes.
- Print copies of the Conflict Scenarios Worksheet, one per student or pair.
- Ensure projector/whiteboard and writing materials are ready.
- Familiarize yourself with the Discussion Guide: Resolving Conflicts for facilitating classroom conversation.
- Review the Role-Playing Activity Guide to understand the instructions and potential scenarios.
Step 1
Warm-Up: What's Your Conflict Style?
5 minutes
- Begin by asking students to anonymously share (e.g., on a sticky note or quick poll) one word that describes how they usually react when faced with a disagreement. Collect these responses.
- Transition by stating that today's lesson will explore different ways to approach conflict constructively. (Refer to Conflict Crew Slide Deck - Slide 1)
Step 2
Introduction to Conflict Resolution
10 minutes
- Use the Conflict Crew Slide Deck to introduce key concepts: what conflict is, why it happens, and the importance of respectful resolution.
- Discuss active listening, 'I' statements, and understanding perspectives. (Refer to Conflict Crew Slide Deck - Slides 2-4)
- Facilitate a brief class discussion using prompts from the Discussion Guide: Resolving Conflicts related to initial thoughts on conflict.
Step 3
Skill Practice: Role-Playing Scenarios
20 minutes
- Divide students into pairs or small groups.
- Distribute the Conflict Scenarios Worksheet.
- Explain the Role-Playing Activity Guide instructions: each group will choose a scenario and role-play constructive conflict resolution using the strategies discussed.
- Circulate to provide guidance and feedback. (Refer to Conflict Crew Slide Deck - Slide 5)
Step 4
Group Share & Discussion
10 minutes
- Bring the class back together.
- Have a few groups share their chosen scenario and how they worked through it.
- Lead a discussion using the Discussion Guide: Resolving Conflicts to reflect on the activity: What worked well? What was challenging? How did using the strategies feel? (Refer to Conflict Crew Slide Deck - Slide 6)
Step 5
Cool-Down: One Takeaway
5 minutes
- Ask each student to write down one key takeaway or one strategy they will try to use next time they experience a conflict.
- Collect these as an exit ticket. (Refer to Conflict Crew Slide Deck - Slide 7)
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Slide Deck
Conflict Crew: Resolve Respectfully
Navigating Disagreements with Skill and Kindness
Why is it important to learn how to handle conflict?
Welcome students and introduce the lesson's main topic. Explain that today, we'll become a 'Conflict Crew,' learning how to navigate disagreements positively.
What is Conflict?
- A disagreement or clash between individuals or groups.
- It's a natural part of human interaction.
- What are some common causes of conflict you've observed?
Define conflict simply. Discuss common reasons for conflict (misunderstandings, differing opinions, competition). Emphasize that conflict isn't always negative; it's how we respond to it that matters.
Skill #1: Active Listening
- Listen to understand: Focus completely on what the other person is saying.
- Show you're listening: Make eye contact, nod, use verbal cues like "I hear you."
- Paraphrase: Repeat what you heard in your own words to confirm understanding.
- Avoid interrupting: Let them finish their thoughts.
Explain active listening as a foundational skill. Provide concrete examples: making eye contact, nodding, summarizing what the other person said, asking clarifying questions. Stress listening to understand, not just to reply.
Skill #2: "I" Statements & Perspective-Taking
- "I" Statements: Express your feelings and needs without blaming.
- Example: "I feel frustrated when my ideas are dismissed, because I want to contribute, and I need a chance to share my thoughts."
- Perspective-Taking: Try to understand the situation from the other person's point of view.
- How does stepping into someone else's shoes help?
Introduce "I" statements. Explain how they help express feelings and needs without blaming. Provide the structure: "I feel [emotion] when [situation] because [reason], and I need [solution]." Give examples relevant to students.
Practice Time: Conflict Scenarios!
- Get into small groups.
- Pick a scenario from your Conflict Scenarios Worksheet.
- Role-play! Practice using active listening and "I" statements.
- Try to find a respectful solution together.
Explain the role-playing activity. Students will work in pairs or small groups. Emphasize practicing the skills discussed. Circulate to offer support and ensure students are engaging constructively.
Debrief: What Did We Learn?
- What strategies did you use?
- What was easy? What was challenging?
- How can these skills help you outside of class?
- Let's discuss!
Facilitate a class discussion. Ask groups to share their experiences. Focus on what felt easy, what was challenging, and how these skills could apply to real-life situations. Refer to the Discussion Guide: Resolving Conflicts for prompts.
Your Conflict Crew Takeaway
- On an index card or a piece of paper, write down:
- One new strategy you learned today.
- One strategy you commit to trying next time you face a conflict.
- You are now part of the Conflict Crew!
Conclude the lesson by asking students to summarize their learning. Collect these takeaways as an exit ticket. Reinforce the value of these skills for building positive relationships.
Activity
Role-Playing Activity: Resolving Conflict Respectfully
Instructions:
- Form Groups: Work with your assigned partner(s).
- Choose a Scenario: Look at the Conflict Scenarios Worksheet. As a group, pick one scenario that you will role-play.
- Assign Roles: Decide who will play each person in the scenario. You can also have a
Worksheet
Conflict Scenarios for Role-Playing
Choose ONE scenario from the options below with your group. Read it carefully and prepare to role-play how you would resolve the conflict using the strategies we discussed (active listening, "I" statements, perspective-taking).
Scenario 1: Group Project Gone Wrong
You are working on a major group project for history class. The deadline is approaching, and one of your group members, Alex, hasn't contributed much. When you try to talk to Alex, they become defensive and say they've been busy with other things.
Your Role-Play Goal:
- Express your concerns using "I" statements.
- Actively listen to Alex's perspective.
- Work together to find a solution for completing the project fairly.
Scenario 2: The Borrowed Item
Your friend, Sam, borrowed your favorite hoodie last week and promised to return it today. You see Sam wearing it, but it looks like it's been stained. When you ask about it, Sam shrugs and says, "Oh, I forgot. It'll probably wash out."
Your Role-Play Goal:
- Express your feelings about the hoodie using "I" statements.
- Actively listen to Sam's explanation.
- Discuss a fair way to address the stain or replace the item.
Scenario 3: Misunderstanding a Text
You sent a text message to a classmate, Jamie, asking about a homework assignment. Jamie responded with a very short, abrupt message that made you feel like they were annoyed or angry with you, even though you just asked a simple question. Now you're hesitant to ask for help again.
Your Role-Play Goal:
- Express how you felt about the text message using "I" statements.
- Actively listen to Jamie's intention behind the text.
- Clarify any misunderstandings and discuss how to communicate more effectively in the future.
Scenario 4: Seating Squabble
In the cafeteria, you usually sit at a particular table with your friends. Today, another group of students is sitting there, and they refuse to move, claiming it's "their" table now. Your friends are getting upset, and tensions are rising.
Your Role-Play Goal:
- Try to understand the other group's perspective (why do they think it's their table?).
- Use respectful communication to try and find a solution that works for both groups.
- Practice staying calm under pressure.
Discussion
Discussion Guide: Resolving Conflicts Respectfully
Use these prompts to guide discussions before and after the role-playing activity, encouraging students to reflect and share their insights.
Part 1: Initial Thoughts & Understanding Conflict (Before Role-Play)
- What comes to mind when you hear the word "conflict"? (Write down initial thoughts, positive or negative)
- Why do you think conflicts happen so often in our daily lives? (Think about school, home, online interactions)
- What are some typical ways people react when a conflict arises? (Consider avoidance, aggression, seeking help, etc.)
- Have you ever witnessed a conflict that was handled really well? What made it effective?
Part 2: Reflecting on Strategies & Application (After Role-Play)
- During the role-play, what felt easy about trying to use active listening or "I" statements? What felt challenging?
- How did it feel to try and understand the other person's perspective in your scenario? Did it change your approach?
- What are the potential benefits of resolving conflicts respectfully, rather than avoiding them or escalating them? (Think about relationships, feelings, future interactions)
- Can you think of a real-life situation (outside of class) where you could apply the conflict resolution skills we practiced today?
- What's one thing you will remember or try to do differently next time you find yourself in a disagreement?