Lesson Plan
Conflict Crushers Lesson Plan
Students will learn to identify emotions, use “I” statements, and collaborate on peaceful solutions through guided role-play.
Equipping 3rd graders with conflict-resolution skills fosters empathy, reduces disruptions, and builds a supportive classroom community.
Audience
3rd Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion and structured role-play practice.
Materials
- Emotion Cards, - Speaker and Listener Role Cards, - Conflict Scenario Cards, - Chart Paper and Markers, and - Reflection Worksheet
Prep
Prepare Materials
10 minutes
- Print and cut all printables:
- Prepare Chart Paper titled "Common Feelings" and markers
- Review all materials and the steps for teaching “I” statements for smooth facilitation
Step 1
Introduction & Emotion Identification
5 minutes
- Welcome students and explain today’s focus on resolving disagreements.
- Ask students to share a time they felt upset and record feelings on Chart Paper.
- Display Emotion Cards and have students match cards to emotions discussed.
Step 2
Teaching “I” Statements
5 minutes
- Introduce the structure of “I” statements: “I feel ____ when ____ because ____.”
- Model two examples on Chart Paper using common conflict situations.
- Invite volunteers to convert phrases like “You took my crayon” into “I” statements.
Step 3
Role-Play Practice
15 minutes
- Pair up students and distribute one Conflict Scenario Card and Speaker and Listener Role Cards to each pair.
- Instruct pairs to role-play the scenario, first using a normal conversation, then using an “I” statement approach.
- Rotate roles and cards after 5 minutes to allow practice with different conflicts.
Step 4
Reflection & Closing
5 minutes
- Reconvene and ask pairs to share a solution they found effective.
- Hand out Reflection Worksheet and have students write or draw one thing they learned.
- Collect worksheets and praise students for their participation.
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Conflict Crushers
Tier 2 Small-Group Lesson • 3rd Grade • 30 minutes
Welcome students to the “Conflict Crushers” lesson. Introduce yourself and explain that over the next 30 minutes, they’ll learn skills to handle disagreements in our classroom.
Objectives
• Identify and name our feelings
• Use “I” statements to express ourselves
• Work together to find peaceful solutions
Read each objective aloud. Emphasize that these skills help us feel safe and respected.
Why Conflict Resolution?
• Builds empathy and trust
• Keeps friendships strong
• Creates a calm classroom community
Ask: “Why do you think solving conflicts nicely is important?” Record answers briefly.
Feeling Check!
Think of a time you felt upset. Which card matches your feeling?
Invite a few volunteers to share a time they felt upset. Prompt them to match their feeling using the Emotion Cards.
Emotion Cards
happy sad angry frustrated worried excited
Hold up each Emotion Card and ask students to name the emotion. Highlight facial expressions and body cues.
What Is an “I” Statement?
I feel ______ when ______ because ______
Introduce the structure of an “I” statement. Write the formula on chart paper.
Turning Complaints into “I” Statements
Example:
“Complaint: You took my crayon.”
“I feel sad when my crayon is taken because I want to draw my picture.”
Model two examples on chart paper. Then ask a volunteer to convert “You took my crayon” into an “I” statement.
Role-Play Practice
- Pair up
- Pick a Conflict Scenario Card
- First act it out normally
- Then use an “I” statement approach
Explain the role-play process step by step. Show the cards and roles.
Sample Scenarios
• Someone bumped into you on purpose
• Your partner ate your snack
• A friend wouldn’t share a toy
Show three sample scenarios and ask pairs to choose one. Encourage creativity.
Reflection & Closing
Draw or write one thing you learned about solving conflicts peacefully.
Hand out the Reflection Worksheet. Remind students to draw or write one thing they learned.
Worksheet
Conflict Crushers Reflection Worksheet
Name: ________________________ Date: ____________________
-
What is one feeling you learned to recognize during our lesson? Draw or write about it below:
-
Fill in the blanks to make an “I” statement you could use: “I feel _____ when _____ because _____.”
-
Draw a picture showing how you could solve a disagreement peacefully:
-
Write one way you will use your new conflict-resolution skills in class or at home:
-
(Optional) Share one thing you would like to practice more next time:
Activity
Emotion Cards
Print and cut along the lines. Use these cards during the lesson to help students identify and name feelings. Each card has the emotion word and space for an illustration or emoji.
HAPPY
[Draw or paste a picture of a happy face here]
SAD
[Draw or paste a picture of a sad face here]
ANGRY
[Draw or paste a picture of an angry face here]
FRUSTRATED
[Draw or paste a picture of a frustrated face here]
WORRIED
[Draw or paste a picture of a worried face here]
EXCITED
[Draw or paste a picture of an excited face here]
Activity
Role Cards
Print and cut along the lines. Use these cards during the role-play to decide who speaks and who listens.
SPEAKER
Role:
- Describe what happened.
- Use an “I” statement: “I feel ___ when ___ because ___.”
- Speak clearly and calmly.
LISTENER
Role:
- Look at the speaker and listen quietly.
- Repeat back: “I heard that you feel ___ when ___ because ___.”
- Ask a question if you are unsure.
Activity
Conflict Scenarios
Print and cut along the lines. Use these cards during the role-play activity. Each pair takes one scenario and practices resolving the conflict first normally, then using an “I” statement approach.
Scenario 1
You and a classmate both want to use the red marker at the same time. Your classmate says, “It’s mine!” and grabs it out of your hand.
Scenario 2
A friend is playing with your favorite toy at recess and won’t give it back when you ask politely.
Scenario 3
Someone bumped into you on purpose during line-up and knocked your books to the floor.
Scenario 4
Your partner in art class accidentally splashed paint on your drawing and laughs about it.
Scenario 5
A classmate took the snack you saved in your desk without asking and ate it before lunch.
Scenario 6
Your friend told everyone you lost the spelling game on purpose, but you didn’t.
Scenario 7
You asked to join a game at recess, but the group said, “No, you can’t play with us.”
Scenario 8
Your partner wrote the wrong answer on your shared worksheet and got your work marked incorrect.