Script: Conflict: Handle with Care!

Introduction: What's the Fuss? (5 minutes)

(Teacher): "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something that happens to all of us, no matter where we are: conflict."

"Take a moment to think: What comes to mind when you hear the word 'conflict'? Don't overthink it, just share the first thing that pops into your head. You can say a word, a feeling, or a situation."

(Teacher): "Great responses! It sounds like we all have different experiences and ideas about conflict. Sometimes it feels negative, right? But what if I told you that conflict itself isn't always bad? It's how we handle it that makes all the difference."

"Let's look at our mission for today." (Transition to Slide 1: Conflict: Handle with Care! and Slide 2: Today's Mission) "Our goal is to learn how to resolve conflicts respectfully and effectively, whether it's with friends, family, or even in future workplaces."

Understanding Conflict (10 minutes)

(Teacher): "So, what exactly is conflict?" (Transition to Slide 3: What is Conflict?) "Conflict happens when people have different ideas, opinions, or needs. It's a natural part of being human and interacting with others."

"Think about your daily lives. Where do you see conflict? In the hallway? During a group project? Maybe with a sibling at home?"

(Teacher): "Exactly! And it's not just in personal life. Imagine you get a part-time job, or you're working on a big school project that feels like a job. Conflict can pop up there too. This is super important because learning to deal with it now will help you a lot in any future job or team situation."

"Let's consider some common scenarios." (Transition to Slide 4: Common Conflict Scenarios) "Read these two scenarios to yourselves. For a moment, think about how you might feel in these situations. What would your gut reaction be?"

(Teacher): "It's natural to feel frustrated, angry, or even want to avoid the situation. But today, we're going to learn some tools to help us approach these situations in a way that leads to a positive outcome, not more stress."

Strategies for Respectful Resolution (15 minutes)

(Teacher): "Alright, let's dive into some practical strategies. These are like tools for your 'conflict toolkit.'"

"Our first strategy is Active Listening." (Transition to Slide 5: Strategy 1: Active Listening) "Who can tell me what active listening means to them?"

(Teacher): "Excellent! Active listening isn't just about hearing words; it's about understanding and showing that you understand. When someone feels heard, it immediately calms the situation down. Think about a time you felt truly listened to – how did that make you feel?"

"Next, we have Using 'I' Statements." (Transition to Slide 6: Strategy 2: Use 'I' Statements) "This is a powerful way to express your feelings without making the other person feel attacked."

"Look at the example on the slide. Which statement do you think would lead to a more productive conversation, and why?"

(Teacher): "Exactly. When you say 'You always...', the other person often gets defensive. 'I' statements focus on your feelings and needs, which are valid, without placing blame."

"Our third strategy combines Empathy and Finding Common Ground." (Transition to Slide 7: Strategy 3: Empathy & Common Ground) "Empathy is about trying to put yourself in someone else's shoes. How might they be feeling? What's their perspective? And common ground? That's about finding something you both agree on, a shared goal or interest, even if it's just wanting to solve the problem."

"Now, you're going to get a chance to apply these strategies. I'm handing out a Worksheet: Resolving Conflicts with a few scenarios. Your task, individually or with a partner, is to think about how you would use active listening, 'I' statements, and empathy to navigate these situations." (Distribute Worksheet: Resolving Conflicts and give students about 5-7 minutes to work. Circulate and assist.)

(Teacher): "Alright, let's quickly review a couple of the scenarios from the worksheet. Who wants to share their approach for Scenario 1?"

Game: Conflict Scramble! (10 minutes)

(Teacher): "Excellent work on the worksheet! Now, to put our conflict resolution skills to the test in a fun, active way, we're going to play a game called Game: Conflict Scramble!"

"I'm going to divide you into small groups. Each group will receive a set of scenario cards and a set of strategy cards: Active Listening, 'I' Statements, Empathy, Common Ground, and Mediation."

"Here's how to play: When I say 'Go!', one person will pick a scenario card and read it aloud. As a group, you'll quickly discuss and decide which 1-2 conflict resolution strategies would be most effective for that scenario. Then, grab the corresponding strategy card(s) and place it next to the scenario card. Be ready to briefly explain why you chose those strategies! Then the next person picks a new scenario, and you keep going until time is up or you run out of cards. Remember to really think about why certain strategies fit best."

"Any questions before we start?" (Address questions, then divide students and distribute materials.)

(Teacher): "Alright, groups, get ready! And... GO!" (Circulate, observe, and provide guidance as students play the game. Keep track of time.)

(Teacher): "Alright everyone, bring it back together in 3... 2... 1! Fantastic work, everyone! Let's hear from a few groups. Which scenarios did you find most challenging to resolve, and why?"

(Teacher): "Great insights! It really shows that different conflicts require different tools from our toolkit."

Wrap-Up & Reflection (5 minutes)

(Teacher): "We're almost out of time, but before we go, I want to give you a chance to reflect on what we've learned." (Distribute Cool Down: My Conflict Toolkit.)

"On this Cool Down: My Conflict Toolkit, please write down one key takeaway from today's lesson—something that stuck with you. And then, write down one conflict resolution strategy that you feel most confident trying out next time you face a disagreement."

"As you finish up, remember that resolving conflict respectfully isn't just about avoiding arguments; it's about building stronger relationships, making sure everyone feels heard, and creating a more positive environment, whether that's in our classroom, at home, or in any future workplace. Thank you all for your thoughtful participation today!"

Worksheet: Resolving Conflicts

Name: _____________________________

Date: _____________________________

Learning to resolve conflicts respectfully is a crucial skill for school, friendships, and especially in the workplace. Read each scenario below and use the strategies we discussed (Active Listening, "I" Statements, Empathy, Finding Common Ground) to outline how you would approach the situation.

Scenario 1: Group Project Disagreement

You are working on a group presentation for history class. Two of your group members have very different ideas about how to present the information, and they keep interrupting each other and getting frustrated. You need to get the project done, but the tension is making it difficult.

1. Identify the core conflict:

2. How would you use Active Listening to understand both group members' perspectives? What might you say or do?

3. How could you use an "I" statement to express your feelings or concerns about the situation without blaming anyone?

4. What potential common ground might the group members have, even if their ideas are different? (e.g., wanting a good grade, finishing on time)

Scenario 2: Misunderstanding at Your Part-Time Job

You work at a local cafe. Your manager assigned you to clean the espresso machine at the end of your shift, but another coworker, Alex, usually does it. Alex comes in the next morning and is annoyed, saying you left a mess for them and implying you're lazy. You did clean it, but perhaps not to Alex's usual standard.

1. How would you actively listen to Alex's complaint without getting defensive immediately?

2. What "I" statement could you use to explain your side of the story and your intention, while acknowledging Alex's feelings?

3. How can you show empathy for Alex's frustration, even if you feel you did your job?

4. What common ground do you and Alex share regarding workplace tasks? How can you use this to find a solution?

Scenario 3: Disagreement with a Friend Over Plans

You and your friend, Sam, had plans to go to the movies. At the last minute, Sam says they can't go because another friend invited them to a party, and they want to go there instead. You feel hurt and brushed aside.

1. How would you use an "I" statement to express your feelings to Sam?

2. How could you try to show empathy for Sam's desire to go to the party, while still communicating your feelings?

3. What common ground do you and Sam share as friends that could help you both move past this disagreement?

Cool Down: My Conflict Toolkit

Name: _____________________________

Date: _____________________________

Take a few moments to reflect on today's lesson about conflict resolution.

1. One Key Takeaway:
What is one important thing you learned or were reminded of today about conflict or conflict resolution?

2. My Go-To Strategy:
Out of all the strategies we discussed (Active Listening, "I" Statements, Empathy, Finding Common Ground), which one do you feel most confident using the next time you encounter a disagreement? Explain why.

3. Real-World Application:
Think about a situation (either real or hypothetical) where you could use one of these strategies. Briefly describe the situation and how you would apply the strategy.

Game: Conflict Scramble

Name: _____________________________

Date: _____________________________

Objective: To practice identifying conflict types and applying resolution strategies in a fun, fast-paced way!

Materials:

• Scenario Cards (provided by teacher)
• Strategy Cards (Active Listening, "I" Statements, Empathy, Common Ground, Mediation)

Instructions:

1. Divide into Small Groups: Your teacher will divide you into groups of 3-4 students.
2. Scenario Cards: Each group will receive a set of shuffled scenario cards face down.
3. Strategy Cards: Lay out the strategy cards (Active Listening, "I" Statements, Empathy, Common Ground, Mediation) face up where everyone can see them.
4. The Game Begins! When the teacher says "Go!":
   • One person from your group picks a scenario card and reads it aloud.
   • As a group, quickly discuss and decide which 1-2 conflict resolution strategies would be most effective for that scenario.
   • Grab the corresponding strategy card(s) and place it next to the scenario card.
   • Be ready to briefly explain why you chose those strategies.
   • The next person picks a new scenario card, and the game continues.

Scenarios for Cards:

• Your friend borrowed your favorite jacket and returned it stained. They don't think it's a big deal.

• You're working on a school project, and a teammate keeps talking over everyone else during brainstorming.

• At your part-time job, a customer is upset about a long wait, even though it's not your fault.

• Your sibling keeps using your personal items without asking, and you're tired of it.

• Two of your friends are arguing about which movie to see, and they want you to pick a side.

• You accidentally sent an email with incorrect information at your internship, and a colleague is visibly annoyed.
  
  
  Discussion after Game:

• Which scenarios were the hardest to resolve? Why?

• Which strategies did your group use most often? Why?

• Did any scenarios surprise you with the best resolution strategy?