Conflict Scenarios Cards

Cut out these cards and distribute one to each pair. In your role-play, use Active Listening, I-Messages, and work toward a compromise solution.

Scenario 1: Laptop Showdown

You and your friend both need to use the classroom laptop to finish a project. The teacher said there’s only enough time for one person at a time. You each feel that your part of the project is the most urgent.

Scenario 2: Group Project Woes

In your science group, one member isn’t doing their share of the work. You’re worried your grade will suffer because of their missing parts.

Scenario 3: Locker Clash

Two students were assigned the same locker by mistake. Both claim it’s theirs and are upset because their books keep getting lost.

Scenario 4: Interrupted Presentation

During a partner presentation, one of you keeps interrupting the other, finishing their sentences, and talking over them. The speaker feels frustrated and unheard.

Scenario 5: Missing Snack Mystery

Someone ate the snack you brought and left the wrapper behind. You’re sure you left it in your locker, but your locker neighbour denies taking it.

Scenario 6: Social Media Rumor

A rumor about you has spread in your group chat. You think one friend started it as a joke, but it’s making everyone laugh at you.

Scenario 7: Recess Team Tension

You and a classmate both want to be captain of the recess basketball game. You each feel the other isn’t a fair player.

Scenario 8: Music Volume Dispute

You’re working on homework at the library table when the person next to you plays loud music without headphones. You can’t concentrate and need to study.

I-Message Template Handout

Use I-Messages to share how you feel without blaming others. Follow this simple formula:

I feel [emotion] when [situation] because [reason].

Examples

1. I feel frustrated when my ideas are interrupted because it makes me think my contribution doesn’t matter.
   
   
   
   
2. I feel disappointed when you miss our group meeting because it makes me worry about our project grade.
   
   
   
   

Your Turn: Practice Writing I-Messages

Scenario 1: You and your partner are working on a worksheet. They keep changing your answers without asking.

Write an I-Message:

Scenario 2: Your classmate laughs at your idea during a class discussion.

Write an I-Message:

Active Listening Checklist

Use this checklist to guide your listening practice. During your partner’s sharing, check off each step. Afterwards, reflect on your experience.

• ☐ Face the speaker and maintain eye contact
• ☐ Sit or stand with an open posture (arms relaxed, turned toward speaker)
• ☐ Use small verbal cues and nods (e.g., “I see,” “Uh-huh”)
• ☐ Paraphrase what you heard: “It sounds like you’re saying…”
• ☐ Ask clarifying questions: “Can you tell me more about…?”
• ☐ Avoid interrupting or finishing their sentences
• ☐ Show empathy by acknowledging feelings: “That must be frustrating”
• ☐ Summarize the main points at the end

Reflection Questions

What step helped you listen best? Why?

Which step was most challenging? How can you improve?

(Optional) What will you focus on next time you practice listening?

Role-Play Feedback Worksheet

Observer Name: ____________________ Pair Members: ____________________, ____________________ Scenario: ____________________

1. Active Listening

1. Did the listener maintain eye contact and open posture? ☐ Yes ☐ No
   Comments on eye contact and posture:
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Did the listener use small verbal cues and nods (e.g., “I see,” “Uh-huh”)? ☐ Yes ☐ No
   Comments on verbal cues:
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Did the listener accurately paraphrase what was said? ☐ Yes ☐ No
   Paraphrase example heard: _________________________________
   Comments on paraphrasing:
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Did the listener ask clarifying questions? ☐ Yes ☐ No
   Example question: _________________________________
   Comments on questions:
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. I-Messages

1. Did each speaker use at least one clear I-Message (I feel…, when…, because…)? ☐ Yes ☐ No
   I-Message example: ____________________________________________
   Comments on I-Message use:
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Compromise

1. Did both partners identify their needs and concerns? ☐ Yes ☐ No
   Comments:
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Did they brainstorm multiple solutions together? ☐ Yes ☐ No
   Comments:
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Did they agree on a fair compromise or win-win solution? ☐ Yes ☐ No
   Compromise reached: ___________________________________________
   Comments:
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Overall Reflection

What worked well in this role-play?

What could be improved next time?

Key takeaway for your partners:

Thank you for your thoughtful feedback! Use this to help your classmates strengthen their conflict resolution skills.