Conflict Resolution Script

Introduction & Warm-Up (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon everyone! Thanks for being here. Today, we're going to talk about something we all experience: conflict. It's a natural part of life, whether it's with friends, family, or even classmates on a project."

Teacher: "To start, when you hear the word 'conflict,' what's the first word or feeling that comes to mind for you? Just shout it out or raise your hand."

Teacher: "Great responses. Sometimes conflict feels negative, right? But it's not always about fighting or being angry. Sometimes it's just about having different ideas or needs. The important thing is how we deal with it. Today, we're going to learn some practical strategies to navigate disagreements peacefully and effectively. These skills will help you not just in school, but in all areas of your life."

Understanding Conflict Resolution Strategies (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Let's dive into our first strategy. It's foundational to resolving any disagreement: active listening."

(Advance to Conflict Resolution Slide Deck - Slide 4 - Active Listening)

Teacher: "Active listening means really, truly hearing what the other person is saying, not just waiting for your turn to speak. It involves giving your full attention, making eye contact, and showing through your body language that you're engaged. It also means not interrupting, and often, it means paraphrasing what you hear. For example, you might say, 'So, if I understand correctly, you're saying...' or 'It sounds like you're feeling...'

Teacher: "Why do you think active listening is so important, especially when you're in the middle of a disagreement?"

Teacher: "Exactly. It shows respect and helps prevent misunderstandings. Our next strategy builds on that: using 'I' statements."

(Advance to Conflict Resolution Slide Deck - Slide 5 - Use 'I' Statements)

Teacher: "When we're in conflict, it's easy to start blaming: 'You always...' or 'You never...' But that often puts the other person on the defensive. 'I' statements shift the focus to your own feelings and needs, without accusing. The structure is simple: 'I feel [emotion] when [situation] because [reason]. I need/wish [solution or desire].'

Teacher: "Look at the example on the slide: 'I feel frustrated when our group project work isn't shared equally because it makes me worry about our grade. I need us to divide the tasks more clearly.' How is this different from saying, 'You're not doing your share!'?"

Teacher: "Great observations. It opens the door for conversation rather than shutting it down. Next up: seeking common ground."

(Advance to Conflict Resolution Slide Deck - Slide 6 - Seek Common Ground)

Teacher: "Even when you disagree strongly, there's often something you can both agree on. Maybe it's wanting a fair outcome, or wanting to maintain your friendship, or simply wanting to resolve the issue quickly. Identifying that common ground can change the whole dynamic of the conversation, moving it from 'us versus them' to 'us versus the problem'."

Teacher: "Can you think of a time when, even though you disagreed with someone, you still found something you both wanted or believed in?"

Teacher: "Good examples. And finally, once we've listened, expressed our feelings, and found common ground, it's time to brainstorm solutions."

(Advance to Conflict Resolution Slide Deck - Slide 7 - Brainstorm Solutions)

Teacher: "This is where you work together to find ideas that can satisfy both parties. The key is to be open-minded and creative. Don't immediately dismiss an idea because it's not 'perfect.' Sometimes, the best solution is a compromise where everyone gives a little to gain a lot. The goal is a 'win-win' outcome."

Teacher: "What makes a solution a 'win-win' in your opinion?"

Practice: Role-Playing Scenarios (10 minutes)

(Advance to Conflict Resolution Slide Deck - Slide 8 - Putting It All Together)

Teacher: "Alright, we've reviewed the strategies: Active Listening, 'I' Statements, Seeking Common Ground, and Brainstorming Solutions. Now, it's your turn to practice!"

"I'm going to give each of you a Conflict Resolution Worksheet with a scenario. You'll work in pairs or small groups. One person will present the conflict, and the other(s) will help apply the strategies we just discussed. Try to use at least two of the strategies in your conversation."

"I'll be circulating to offer guidance and answer any questions. You'll have about 7 minutes for this, then we'll debrief as a whole group."

(Distribute Conflict Resolution Worksheet. Allow students to work. Monitor and support.)

Teacher: "Okay, let's bring it back together. Who would like to briefly share one of their scenarios and how they tried to apply the strategies? Don't worry about being perfect, just tell us what you tried!"

Wrap-Up & Key Takeaways (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Thank you for sharing and for practicing these important skills. Conflict resolution isn't always easy, and it definitely takes practice. But the more you use these tools, the better you'll get at navigating disagreements in a way that strengthens your relationships rather than damaging them."

Teacher: "Before we finish, can one or two people share one new strategy they learned today, or one key takeaway they'll remember?"

Teacher: "Excellent. Remember, these strategies are for real life. Try to put them into practice this week, whether it's with a friend, a family member, or even just thinking about how you could use them in a situation. The goal isn't to avoid conflict, but to handle it constructively."

"Thank you all!"

Conflict Resolution Practice

Instructions: In your pairs or small groups, choose one of the scenarios below. Role-play the situation, trying to use the conflict resolution strategies we just discussed: Active Listening, 'I' Statements, Seeking Common Ground, and Brainstorming Solutions. You don't have to solve it perfectly, just practice using the tools!

Scenario 1: The Group Project Glitch

You are working on a major group project for class, and the deadline is fast approaching. One member of your group, Alex, hasn't been pulling their weight. They frequently miss meetings, don't complete their assigned tasks, and when they do show up, they seem distracted. You're worried about your grade.

How would you approach Alex to resolve this conflict? What would you say?

Scenario 2: The Borrowed Item

Your friend, Sam, borrowed your favorite hoodie/jacket last week and promised to return it today. You saw them wearing it yesterday, but they still haven't given it back, and you really need it for an event tonight. You're feeling annoyed and a little disrespected.

How would you talk to Sam about getting your item back? How can you express your feelings without accusing them?

Scenario 3: Different Plans for the Weekend

You and your best friend, Jamie, always hang out on Fridays. This week, you want to go to the school football game, but Jamie wants to stay home and watch a movie. Both of you feel strongly about your plans and are getting frustrated that you can't agree.

How can you both use conflict resolution strategies to find a solution that works for everyone, or at least for this weekend?