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Conflict Crushers

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Lesson Plan

Peace Pact Power Lesson Plan

Students will learn actionable conflict-resolution strategies—like using "I" statements and active listening—and apply them through group discussion and role-play to create a classroom Peace Pact.

Teaching peer conflict management empowers students to resolve disagreements constructively, reduces disruptions, and promotes a supportive classroom culture.

Audience

5th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Discussion, role-play, and reflection build conflict-resolution skills.

Materials

Prep

Gather and Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Introduction and Norm Setting

5 minutes

  • Bring students together and explain the lesson goal: managing peer conflict
  • Introduce key terms: feelings, needs, and "I" statements
  • Co-construct group norms for respectful discussion and listening

Step 2

Scenario Discussion

8 minutes

  • Distribute one Conflict Scenario Card to each group
  • Groups read their scenario and identify each person’s feelings and needs
  • Encourage students to discuss why conflicts arise and what each peer might want
  • Select one spokesperson per group to share insights briefly

Step 3

Role-Play Practice

10 minutes

  • Give each student a Role-Play Character Badge
  • Groups act out their scenario, practicing:
    • Using "I" statements (e.g., "I feel upset when…")
    • Active listening (paraphrasing and asking clarifying questions)
    • Brainstorming solutions together
  • Teacher circulates, prompts deeper reflection, and offers feedback

Step 4

Reflection and Peace Pact Creation

5 minutes

  • Hand out the Peace Pact Reflection Sheet
  • Students individually note one strategy they’ll use and one personal goal
  • In groups, draft a short "Peace Pact" listing 3–4 agreed-upon steps for resolving conflicts respectfully

Step 5

Closing Share

2 minutes

  • Invite each group to share one key strategy or Peace Pact clause
  • Reinforce positive behaviors and encourage students to reference their pact when disagreements arise
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Slide Deck

Peace Pact Power

Managing Peer Conflict Together

Welcome students! Today we’re launching our Peace Pact Power session on managing peer conflict. Explain that throughout the next 30 minutes, we’ll explore strategies to talk through disagreements kindly and build our own class Peace Pact.

Objectives & Norms

Objective:

  • Learn conflict‐resolution strategies (I statements, active listening)

Group Norms (we’ll decide together):

  • Listen respectfully
  • Speak kindly
  • Take turns

Read the lesson objective aloud: “By the end of our time today, you’ll practice using “I” statements and active listening to resolve disagreements.” Then invite students to suggest group norms for respectful discussion. Record their ideas visibly.

Scenario Discussion

  1. Read your Conflict Scenario Card
  2. Identify each person’s feelings and needs
  3. Discuss why the conflict happened
  4. Choose one spokesperson to share insights

Divide students into groups of 3–4 and hand out one Conflict Scenario Card to each group. Instruct them to identify the feelings and needs of each person in the scenario, then appoint a spokesperson to share key observations.

Role-Play Practice

Practice in your groups:

  • Use “I” statements (e.g., “I feel… when…”)
  • Try active listening (paraphrase, ask questions)
  • Brainstorm fair solutions together

Hand out Role‐Play Character Badges. Model an example “I feel upset when…” statement. Encourage students to act out their scenario, using I statements, paraphrasing, and brainstorming solutions. Circulate and offer feedback.

Reflection & Peace Pact Creation

  1. Complete your Reflection Sheet:
    • One strategy I will use
    • One personal goal
  2. In your group, write a 3–4 step Peace Pact for resolving conflicts

Distribute the Peace Pact Reflection Sheet. Ask each student to write one strategy they’ll use and one personal goal. Then have groups draft a 3–4 step Peace Pact listing how they will handle future conflicts.

Closing & Next Steps

  • Each group shares one strategy or Peace Pact clause
  • Remember to use your Peace Pact when you disagree
  • Keep practicing kind communication!

Invite each group to share one key strategy or pact clause. Praise their ideas and remind them to follow their Peace Pact when disagreements arise. Close by reinforcing the value of kind communication.

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Worksheet

Conflict Scenario Cards

Below are six real-life situations. For each scenario:

  1. Identify each person’s feelings.
  2. Identify each person’s needs (what they want or need to feel okay).
  3. Write one "I" statement someone could use to share their feelings respectfully.
  4. Brainstorm a possible solution that meets everyone’s needs.

Use the space below each question to write your ideas.

Scenario 1: The Borrowed Pencil

Maria forgot her pencil and asked Jenna if she could borrow one. Jenna said yes, but halfway through class Maria returned Jenna’s pencil with the tip broken.

  1. How does Maria feel? How does Jenna feel?





  2. What does each person need? (e.g., respect, understanding, a working pencil)





  3. Write an I statement someone could use (e.g., “I feel ___ when ___ because ___”).





  4. Brainstorm a solution that works for both Maria and Jenna.





Scenario 2: The Group Project Argument

Ethan, Zoe, and Luis are working on a science poster. Ethan wants to draw, Zoe wants to write all the information, and Luis feels left out because no one asked for his ideas.

  1. How does each person feel?





  2. What does each person need?





  3. Write an I statement one could use to speak up.





  4. Suggest one way they can share tasks so everyone’s needs are met.





Scenario 3: The Playground Ball Dispute

During recess, Jamal and Aisha both reached for the same soccer ball. Jamal grabbed it first, and Aisha got upset and yelled, “You never let me play!”

  1. How does Jamal feel? How does Aisha feel?





  2. What does each person need?





  3. Write an I statement Aisha could use.





  4. Propose a fair solution for turns with the ball.





Scenario 4: The Secret Spread

Tyler heard a private conversation and accidentally told a rumor to classmates, which made Sam very embarrassed.

  1. How does Tyler feel? How does Sam feel?





  2. What does each person need?





  3. Write an I statement Tyler could use when apologizing.





  4. What could they agree on to rebuild trust?





Scenario 5: The Art Supply Mix-up

During art class, Noah accidentally used Leah’s special oil pastels without asking. Leah was upset because they were her favorite colors.

  1. How does Noah feel? How does Leah feel?





  2. What does each person need?





  3. Write an I statement Leah could use.





  4. Brainstorm how they can share supplies respectfully.





Scenario 6: The Line Jump

In the cafeteria, Mia was waiting in line and felt frustrated when Alex cut in front of her without saying anything.

  1. How does Mia feel? How does Alex feel?





  2. What does each person need?





  3. Write an I statement Mia could use.





  4. Suggest a respectful way Alex can join the line next time.





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Worksheet

Peace Pact Reflection Sheet

Individual Reflection

Name: ____________________________



Date: ____________________________


  1. One strategy I will use to manage conflict:






  2. My personal goal for handling disagreements:






Group Peace Pact

Group Members:



Together, write 3–4 steps your group agrees on for resolving conflicts respectfully. Use the space below for each step.

  1. Step 1: ____________________________




  2. Step 2: ____________________________




  3. Step 3: ____________________________




  4. Step 4 (optional): ____________________________




Keep this sheet as a reminder of your Peace Pact and check in with your group to follow it!

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Activity

Conflict Resolution Role-Play

Use this activity sheet during the Role-Play Practice portion of our lesson. Follow the steps below to practice solving peer conflicts respectfully.

1. Choose a Scenario

2. Assign Roles (3–4 students per group)

  • Person A (first perspective)
  • Person B (second perspective)
  • Mediator (optional): guides the conversation, ensures everyone listens
  • Observer (optional): notes effective “I” statements and listening moves

Distribute matching Role-Play Character Badges so each student knows their role.

3. Plan Your Conversation (2 minutes)

  • Identify each person’s feelings and needs.
  • Write down one “I” statement for your character (e.g., “I feel ___ when ___ because ___”).
  • Brainstorm at least two possible solutions before you begin.

4. Act It Out (4–5 minutes)

  • Person A starts by stating their “I” statement.
  • Person B practices active listening:
    • Paraphrase: “So you’re saying…”
    • Ask one clarifying question: “Can you tell me more about…?”
  • Switch: Person B shares their “I” statement and Person A listens.
  • Mediator/Observer gives gentle prompts if the conversation drifts.
  • Together, agree on one solution that meets both characters’ needs.

5. Switch Roles & Repeat (time permitting)

  • Trade badges and repeat the scenario to practice both sides.

6. Reflect & Debrief (3 minutes)

  1. What did you notice about how using an “I” statement changed the conversation?




  2. Name one listening skill you want to use more often:




  3. Which solution did your group choose, and why do you think it’s fair?




Quick Tips for Success

  • Keep your tone calm and respectful.
  • Focus on one feeling and one need at a time.
  • If you get stuck, mediator can ask: “What do you need right now?”
  • Celebrate when you find a solution that works for everyone!
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Rubric

Peace Pact Presentation Rubric

Use this rubric to evaluate each group’s Peace Pact content and their presentation of it. Score each criterion on a 4-point scale.

Criterion4 – Exemplary3 – Proficient2 – Developing1 – Beginning
Clarity of Conflict-Resolution StepsSteps are crystal-clear, logically ordered, and demonstrate deep understanding of “I” statements and active listening.Steps are clear and in logical order, with reference to key strategies.Steps are somewhat clear but may lack logical flow or key details.Steps are unclear or confusing; missing core conflict-resolution strategies.
Respectful & Empathetic LanguageLanguage consistently shows empathy, respect, and awareness of feelings/needs throughout the pact.Language is generally respectful and empathetic, with minor lapses.Some respectful/empathetic language, but inconsistent or superficial.Language lacks respect or empathy; may include blaming or harsh phrases.
Completeness of Peace Pact StepsIncludes 3–4 detailed, actionable steps covering feelings, needs, brainstorming solutions, and follow-up checks.Includes 3 clear steps that address most key elements of conflict resolution.Includes 2 steps or covers only some essential elements.Fewer than 2 steps or missing essential elements of a collaborative pact.
Collaboration & ParticipationAll members contributed equally, visibly incorporated everyone’s ideas, and shared presentation roles smoothly.Most members contributed and were represented; group shared roles during the presentation.Only 1–2 members contributed actively; uneven participation or unclear roles.Little or no collaboration evident; one or two members did all the work/presentation.

Scoring Guide

  • 16–14 points: Excellent understanding and group work.
  • 13–10 points: Solid performance with room for growth.
  • 9–6 points: Developing skills; needs more practice.
  • 5–4 points: Beginning; requires significant support.
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