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Conflict Detective

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Eboniqua Smith

Tier 3
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Conflict Detective Plan

Students will recognize and categorize common social conflicts—misunderstandings, power struggles, and value clashes—and develop self-awareness by identifying personal emotional triggers and creating an action plan to manage their reactions.

Building conflict recognition and self-awareness skills enhances emotional intelligence, improves peer relationships, and equips students with tools to navigate social challenges constructively.

Audience

7th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Scenario exploration, guided reflection, and action planning.

Materials

Conflict Scenario Cards, Self-Awareness Reflection Worksheet, Notebook or Reflection Journal, and Timer or Stopwatch

Prep

Teacher Preparation

5 minutes

  • Print and cut out the Conflict Scenario Cards.
  • Review each scenario and note key conflict types: misunderstandings, power struggles, value conflicts.
  • Print copies of the Self-Awareness Reflection Worksheet for the student.
  • Ensure a timer or stopwatch is ready for timed activities.
  • Have a notebook or reflection journal available for closing reflections.

Step 1

Introduce the Conflict Detective Theme

5 minutes

  • Welcome the student and explain the role of a “Conflict Detective.”
  • Share the session objective: recognize types of conflict and build self-awareness.
  • Present the Conflict Scenario Cards as “clues” to investigate.

Step 2

Explore and Categorize Scenarios

10 minutes

  • Have the student draw a scenario card and read it aloud.
  • Ask: “Which type of conflict is this: misunderstanding, power struggle, or value conflict?”
  • Discuss clues in the scenario that reveal the conflict type.
  • Repeat until all cards are categorized, guiding as needed.

Step 3

Identify Personal Triggers

5 minutes

  • Introduce the Self-Awareness Reflection Worksheet.
  • Prompt the student to recall a recent social conflict they experienced.
  • On the worksheet, list emotions felt and identify specific triggers (words, actions, intensity).

Step 4

Brainstorm Coping Strategies

5 minutes

  • Together, list 3–4 self-awareness strategies (e.g., pause and breathe, journal emotions, ask clarifying questions).
  • For each trigger, match one or two strategies that could help manage the reaction next time.
  • Encourage the student to choose strategies they feel comfortable using.

Step 5

Create a Personal Action Plan

5 minutes

  • In the notebook or reflection journal, have the student write a brief action plan:
    • Describe a potential conflict scenario.
    • List personal triggers to watch for.
    • Select one or two strategies to practice.
  • Set a goal: “I will use X strategy next time I feel Y.”
  • Close by affirming the student’s role as a Conflict Detective in daily life.
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Slide Deck

Conflict Detective

Recognizing Social Conflict & Building Self-Awareness

30-Minute Individual Session for 7th Graders

Welcome the student and set a positive, investigative tone. Explain that today they’ll become a “Conflict Detective.”

Your Mission

• Identify three types of social conflict
• Discover your personal emotional triggers
• Choose strategies to manage your reactions
• Create a personal action plan

Explain the session goals and why these skills matter for improving relationships and personal growth.

Types of Social Conflict

  1. Misunderstanding: Mixed messages or assumptions lead to confusion.
  2. Power Struggle: Competing for control or dominance in a situation.
  3. Value Clash: Different beliefs or priorities collide

Define each conflict type with real-life language. Ask for examples as you go.

Conflict Clue Investigation

  1. Draw a card from the Conflict Scenario Cards.
  2. Read the scenario aloud.
  3. Decide: Is it a misunderstanding, power struggle, or value clash?
  4. Explain which clues helped you decide.

Introduce the scenario cards as clues. Guide the student through at least three examples, prompting them to categorize each.

Personal Conflict Reflection

Use the Self-Awareness Reflection Worksheet:

• Describe a recent social conflict
• List the emotions you felt
• Identify specific triggers (words, actions, intensity)

Guide the student to use the worksheet to reflect on a recent conflict. Encourage honesty and detail.

Brainstorm Self-Awareness Strategies

Examples:
• Pause & take three deep breaths
• Write down what you’re feeling
• Ask clarifying questions before reacting

Next:
• Match 1–2 strategies to each trigger you listed

Offer examples of strategies and then have the student brainstorm their own. Link each trigger to a coping idea.

Create Your Action Plan

In your journal, write:

  1. A potential conflict scenario
  2. Triggers to watch for
  3. The strategy(ies) you will use

Set a goal: “When I feel ___, I will ___.”

Support the student as they craft a clear, achievable plan. Emphasize setting a “when I feel X, I will do Y” goal.

Wrap Up & Next Steps

• You’re now a certified Conflict Detective!
• Practice your action plan this week
• Notice how your self-awareness grows
• Journal any new conflicts and strategies

Reinforce the student’s role and encourage ongoing practice. Schedule a quick check-in if possible.

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Activity

Conflict Scenario Cards

Print and cut out each card. Read a card aloud and decide which type of conflict it represents: misunderstanding, power struggle, or value clash.

Card 1

During art class, Emma asks for help but Ben misreads her tone and thinks she’s teasing him.

Card 2

At lunch, Jake thought Mia said he cut in line, but Mia was pointing to the next tray, not accusing him.

Card 3

Liam texts Ava “whatever” when he’s upset; Ava assumes he doesn’t care about her feelings.

Card 4

Twins argue over who gets to lead building a LEGO set—each insists their design is the best.

Card 5

In the science lab, Sophie wants to direct the experiment, but her partner Alex demands control instead.

Card 6

During a video game challenge, Jordan and Carlos both claim it’s their turn to choose the next level.

Card 7

Kayla believes homework must be finished before any fun, while Mark thinks it’s fine to relax first.

Card 8

Amir argues the school should start later to get more sleep; Sara feels the current schedule works just fine.

Card 9

Ananya insists everyone should sort their recycling carefully; Todd says it’s not worth the extra effort.

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Worksheet

Self-Awareness Reflection Worksheet

Use this worksheet to reflect on a social conflict you’ve experienced. Answer each prompt honestly, then use your responses to plan healthier reactions in the future.

1. Describe the Conflict

Write a brief summary of a recent social conflict (what happened, who was involved, where it took place).











2. Emotions You Felt

List the emotions you experienced during the conflict (e.g., anger, embarrassment, confusion). Be as specific as possible.








3. Identify Your Triggers

What specific words, actions, or situations made your feelings stronger? Describe at least two triggers.

  • Trigger 1: _________________________________



  • Trigger 2: _________________________________



4. Coping Strategies Brainstorm

Think of at least three self-awareness strategies you could use next time you notice these triggers (e.g., pause and breathe, ask a question, write it down).










5. Personal Action Plan

Choose one trigger and one strategy. Fill in the goal statement below:

When I feel [Trigger], I will [Strategy].

When I feel _____________________, I will ________________________________.







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