Lesson Plan
Conflict: Friend or Foe?
Students will be able to identify different types of conflict, recognize their own responses to conflict, and apply effective strategies for peaceful resolution in various situations.
Understanding and managing conflict is a crucial life skill. It helps students navigate disagreements with peers, family, and others, fostering healthier relationships and a more positive school experience. Learning these skills empowers them to become more resilient and effective communicators.
Audience
8th Grade Students
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, slide presentation, and a short role-play activity.
Prep
Teacher Preparation
15 minutes
- Review the Conflict Resolution Slides to familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print copies of the Conflict Scenarios Activity (one per small group).
- Ensure projector/screen is set up for the slide deck.
- Print copies of the Conflict Know-How Pre-Quiz and Conflict Resolution Challenge if administering as paper copies.
Step 1
Warm-Up: What is Conflict?
5 minutes
- Begin by asking students: "When you hear the word 'conflict,' what comes to mind?"
2. Allow students to share initial thoughts and ideas, writing key terms on the board.
3. Introduce the lesson's main question: "Is conflict always a bad thing, or can it lead to something positive?"
Step 2
Introduction to Conflict Resolution
10 minutes
- Present the Conflict Resolution Slides.
2. Go through slides defining conflict, types of conflict, and common responses to conflict.
3. Facilitate a brief discussion after each key concept, encouraging student examples and questions.
4. Emphasize that conflict is normal and how we respond is what matters.
Step 3
Strategies for Resolution: The PEACE Steps
10 minutes
- Continue with the Conflict Resolution Slides to introduce the PEACE steps for conflict resolution:
- Pause & Process
- Empathize
- Assert Your Needs
- Communicate Calmly
- Explore Solutions
2. Explain each step clearly, providing simple examples.
3. Divide students into small groups (3-4 students per group).
4. Distribute the Conflict Scenarios Activity to each group.
5. Instruct groups to choose one scenario and use the PEACE steps to brainstorm a resolution. (5 minutes for activity)
Step 4
Share & Reflect
5 minutes
- Bring the class back together.
2. Ask a few groups to share their chosen scenario and how they applied the PEACE steps.
3. Conclude by reiterating that conflict is a part of life, but with the right tools, students can turn potential foes into opportunities for growth and understanding.
4. Encourage students to try using the PEACE steps in their own lives.
Slide Deck
Conflict: Friend or Foe?
How do you feel when you hear the word 'conflict'?
Is it always bad, or can it lead to something good?
Welcome students and introduce the topic. Start with an open-ended question to gauge their initial understanding and feelings about conflict.
What is Conflict?
Conflict is a disagreement or clash between individuals or groups.
It happens when people have different:
- Ideas
- Needs
- Desires
- Values
It's a normal part of life!
Define conflict in simple terms and explain that it's a natural part of human interaction. Emphasize that it's not always negative.
Types of Conflict
- Interpersonal Conflict: Between two or more people (e.g., arguing with a friend)
- Intrapersonal Conflict: Within yourself (e.g., making a tough decision)
- Group Conflict: Within a team or class (e.g., disagreement on a project)
Can you think of an example for each?
Explain different types of conflict with simple examples. Ask students to think of times they've experienced these.
Common (and Sometimes Unhelpful) Responses
When conflict arises, we often react in certain ways:
- Avoiding: Ignoring the problem, hoping it goes away.
- Accommodating: Giving in to others' wishes to keep the peace.
- Competing: Trying to win at all costs, even if it hurts others.
- Compromising: Both sides give up a little to find a middle ground.
While these are common, some can make conflict worse or prevent true resolution.
Discuss common, often unhelpful, ways people react to conflict. Encourage self-reflection and explicitly state that these can be less effective.
Choosing How to Respond
We have a choice in how we react to conflict.
- Less Effective: Avoiding, yelling, blaming, refusing to listen.
- More Effective: Using strategies to understand, communicate, and solve problems together.
Today, we'll focus on effective strategies!
Emphasize that the goal is not to avoid conflict, but to engage with it constructively. Introduce the idea that there are better and worse ways to handle disagreements, and we're going to learn the 'better' ways.
The PEACE Steps for Resolution
Instead of reacting, we can choose to respond thoughtfully. Here's a helpful guide:
Pause & Process
Empathize
Assert Your Needs
Communicate Calmly
Explore Solutions
Introduce the PEACE acronym as a structured approach. Explain that these are tools for constructive resolution and the 'appropriate' strategies.
P: Pause & Process
- Take a deep breath.
- Step away if needed.
- Think before you speak.
- Ask yourself: What am I feeling? What do I want to happen?
Elaborate on the first step: Pause & Process. Why is this important?
E: Empathize
- Try to understand the other person's perspective.
- Listen actively to what they are saying and feeling.
- Ask questions to clarify their point of view.
- "I understand you're feeling..."
Explain Empathize. How can putting yourself in someone else's shoes help?
A: Assert Your Needs
- Clearly state your own feelings and needs.
- Use "I" statements: "I feel [emotion] when [situation] because [reason]. I need [what you need]."
- Be direct but respectful.
Discuss asserting needs. Highlight the difference between asserting and attacking.
C: Communicate Calmly
- Keep your voice level.
- Avoid yelling or interrupting.
- Focus on the problem, not the person.
- Use respectful language, even when disagreeing.
Emphasize the importance of calm communication. How does tone of voice matter?
E: Explore Solutions
- Brainstorm different ideas that could solve the problem.
- Be open to suggestions from the other person.
- Look for a "win-win" where both sides feel heard and get some of what they need.
- Agree on a solution and how to put it into action.
Guide students on exploring solutions. Stress finding common ground and win-win outcomes.
Conflict: An Opportunity
Conflict doesn't have to be negative.
By using the PEACE steps, you can turn disagreements into opportunities to:
- Build stronger relationships
- Understand others better
- Practice problem-solving skills
- Grow as an individual!
You have the power to resolve conflicts peacefully!
Conclude by empowering students to use these skills. Reiterate the main idea.
Where to Find Help?
Sometimes conflicts are too big to handle alone, or you need extra support.
- Talk to a trusted adult (parent, guardian, family member)
- Reach out to a teacher, counselor, or school staff
- Use school resources (peer mediation, conflict resolution programs)
- Remember, asking for help is a sign of strength!
Stress the importance of seeking help when needed. Reassure students that it's okay and encouraged to ask for support.
Activity
Conflict Scenarios Activity
Instructions:
In your small groups, read the following scenarios. Choose ONE scenario that you would like to work on. Using the PEACE steps (Pause & Process, Empathize, Assert Your Needs, Communicate Calmly, Explore Solutions), discuss how the individuals in the scenario could resolve their conflict peacefully and effectively.
Be prepared to share your chosen scenario and your resolution with the class!
Scenario 1: The Group Project Disaster
Maya, Liam, and Chloe are working on a history project together. Maya feels like she's doing all the work, while Liam is always distracted by his phone, and Chloe keeps changing her mind about the project direction, making it hard to make progress. Maya is getting frustrated and is close to just doing the entire project herself.
- How can Maya, Liam, and Chloe use the PEACE steps to resolve this conflict and successfully complete their project?
Scenario 2: The Borrowed Item
Sarah lent her favorite hoodie to her friend, Alex, a week ago. Alex said they would return it the next day, but it's been a week, and Sarah hasn't seen it. Sarah saw Alex wearing it yesterday, and it looked a little stretched out. Sarah is annoyed but doesn't want to seem petty.
- How can Sarah approach Alex using the PEACE steps to get her hoodie back and address her feelings without damaging their friendship?
Scenario 3: The Lunch Table Mix-Up
Jamal always sits at the same lunch table with his friends. Today, when he got to the cafeteria, a new group of students was sitting at his usual spot, and they didn't seem to want to move. Jamal feels invaded and a little angry, but he also doesn't want to cause a scene.
- How can Jamal use the PEACE steps to address the situation at the lunch table and find a peaceful solution for where everyone can sit?
Scenario 4: The Misunderstanding Text
Taylor sent a text message to their friend, Jordan, about plans for the weekend. Jordan read the message quickly and misunderstood Taylor's tone, thinking Taylor was being bossy. Jordan responded with a short, somewhat aggressive text. Taylor is now confused and hurt by Jordan's reaction.
- How can Taylor and Jordan use the PEACE steps to clarify the misunderstanding and mend their communication breakdown?
Quiz
Conflict Know-How Pre-Quiz
Test
Conflict Resolution Challenge