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lenny

Conflict Navigator

Dethea

Tier 2
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Charting a Course Through Disagreement

Students will learn and practice a structured process for negotiating and resolving conflicts peacefully and effectively.

Conflict is a natural part of life, but knowing how to navigate it constructively is a vital skill. This lesson provides students with practical tools to transform disagreements into opportunities for understanding and stronger relationships, reducing stress and fostering positive interactions.

Audience

6th Grade Group

Time

50 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, guided practice, and collaborative problem-solving.

Materials

Navigating The Storm of Conflict (slide-deck), Conflict Scenarios and Solutions (discussion), and My Conflict Resolution Map (worksheet)

Prep

Preparation Steps

15 minutes

  • Review the Navigating The Storm of Conflict slide-deck to familiarize yourself with the content.
    - Print out copies of the My Conflict Resolution Map worksheet, one for each student.
    - Prepare the Conflict Scenarios and Solutions discussion prompts.
    - Arrange seating for small group discussion.

Step 1

Introduction: The Storm Ahead

5 minutes

  • Begin with a brief discussion about what conflict means and how it makes students feel.
    - Introduce the idea that conflict isn't always bad and can be an opportunity for growth.
    - Present the lesson's objective using the Navigating The Storm of Conflict slide-deck.

Step 2

Understanding the Conflict Navigator Process

15 minutes

  • Use the Navigating The Storm of Conflict slide-deck to introduce the step-by-step Conflict Navigator process (Identify, Understand, Brainstorm, Choose, Reflect).
    - Explain each step clearly, providing simple examples relevant to 6th graders.
    - Emphasize active listening and empathy as crucial components.

Step 3

Navigating Practice: Scenarios

20 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups.
    - Distribute the Conflict Scenarios and Solutions discussion prompts.
    - Instruct groups to choose one scenario and apply the Conflict Navigator process.
    - Circulate among groups, providing guidance and facilitating discussion.

Step 4

Mapping Your Resolution

5 minutes

  • Distribute the My Conflict Resolution Map worksheet.
    - Have students individually reflect on a past minor conflict or a hypothetical one, and fill out their map using the learned process.
    - Encourage them to think about how they could have used or will use these skills.

Step 5

Wrap-up and Reflection

5 minutes

  • Bring the groups back together.
    - Ask a few students to share their experiences or insights from the activity.
    - Reiterate the importance of peaceful conflict resolution and how these skills are useful in everyday life.
lenny

Slide Deck

Conflict Navigator: Charting a Course Through Disagreement

What is Conflict?

  • Is it always bad?
  • How does it make you feel?

Welcome students and introduce the concept of conflict. Ask them what comes to mind when they hear the word 'conflict.'

Our Destination: Peaceful Resolution

Today, you will learn to:

  • Identify different types of conflict.
  • Use a step-by-step process to resolve disagreements.
  • Turn arguments into opportunities for understanding.

Explain that conflict is a normal part of life and can even be an opportunity to learn and grow. Introduce the objective of the lesson.

Step 1: Identify the Problem

What exactly is the disagreement about?

  • Stick to the facts.
  • Avoid blame.

Introduce the first step: Identify the Problem. Emphasize looking for facts.

Step 2: Understand Perspectives

How do others see the situation?

  • Listen actively.
  • Try to understand their feelings and reasons.

Introduce the second step: Understand Perspectives. Highlight empathy and active listening.

Step 3: Brainstorm Solutions

What are some ways to solve this?

  • Think creatively.
  • Look for ideas where everyone can gain something.

Introduce the third step: Brainstorm Solutions. Encourage creative thinking and 'win-win' ideas.

Step 4: Choose and Act

Which solution works best for everyone?

  • Agree on a plan.
  • Be ready to compromise.

Introduce the fourth step: Choose and Act. Discuss compromise and fair agreements.

Step 5: Reflect and Review

How did it go? What did we learn?

  • Think about what worked and what didn't.
  • Apply lessons to future conflicts.

Introduce the final step: Reflect and Review. Emphasize learning from the experience.

Practice Time: Real-Life Conflicts

In your groups, you will:

  • Pick a Conflict Scenario.
  • Apply the Conflict Navigator steps to find a solution.
  • Discuss your process and findings.

Explain that students will now work in groups on scenarios. Refer them to the discussion prompts.

Your Personal Conflict Map

On your worksheet, you will:

  • Choose a personal conflict (past or hypothetical).
  • Use the Conflict Navigator steps to map out a resolution.

Explain the individual worksheet activity for personal reflection.

Smooth Sailing Ahead!

Remember:

  • Conflict can be resolved peacefully.
  • Your new skills help you navigate disagreements.
  • You can turn conflict into understanding!

Conclude by summarizing the importance of these skills and encouraging their use.

lenny

Discussion

Conflict Scenarios and Solutions

Instructions:

In your small groups, read the scenarios below. Choose ONE scenario to work on. As a group, use the Conflict Navigator steps (Identify the Problem, Understand Perspectives, Brainstorm Solutions, Choose and Act, Reflect and Review) to discuss and find a peaceful solution. Be prepared to share your process with the class.

Scenario 1: The Group Project

Liam, Sarah, and David are working on a history project together. Liam wants to do a poster, Sarah thinks a digital presentation is better, and David hasn't started any research, saying he'll do it "later." The deadline is approaching, and tensions are rising.

  • Discussion Prompts:
    • What is the core problem here?
    • How might Liam, Sarah, and David each be feeling? Why?
    • What are some possible solutions that would work for everyone?
    • How can they decide on the best solution and make sure everyone contributes?
    • What can they learn from this experience for future group work?

Scenario 2: The Playground Game

During recess, a group of friends is playing kickball. Two friends, Emily and Maya, disagree strongly about whether a ball was fair or foul. Both are convinced they are right and are now yelling at each other, threatening to quit the game.

  • Discussion Prompts:
    • What is the immediate problem? What deeper issues might be involved?
    • How do you think Emily and Maya are feeling? Why are they so upset?
    • What are different ways they could resolve this disagreement and continue playing?
    • What would be a fair way to decide if the ball was fair or foul, or a way to move past it?
    • What lesson can be learned about playing games and disagreements among friends?

Scenario 3: The Borrowed Item

Alex lent his favorite graphic novel to Chris last week. Now Alex wants it back to re-read, but Chris says he can't find it and isn't sure where he put it. Alex is upset because it was a special gift, and Chris is feeling defensive and frustrated.

  • Discussion Prompts:
    • What is the main conflict? What are the underlying feelings for Alex and Chris?
    • How might Alex feel about his lost novel? How might Chris feel about being accused or losing it?
    • What are some ways Chris could try to find the book? What if he really can't find it?
    • What could be a fair solution to this problem?
    • What does this situation teach us about borrowing and lending items?
lenny
lenny

Worksheet

My Conflict Resolution Map

Name: ____________________________

Date: ____________________________

Instructions:

Think about a minor conflict you've had recently, or imagine a conflict you might have with a friend or family member. Use the Conflict Navigator steps to map out how you could resolve it peacefully. Fill in each section below.

Step 1: Identify the Problem

What exactly is the disagreement about? Try to state the facts without blaming anyone.







Step 2: Understand Perspectives

How do you see the situation? How do you think the other person sees it? What might they be feeling or thinking?










Step 3: Brainstorm Solutions

What are at least three different ways you could solve this problem? Think creatively!










Step 4: Choose and Act

Which solution do you think is the best one for this conflict? Why? What steps would you take to make it happen?










Step 5: Reflect and Review

If you were to try this solution, how do you think it would go? What would you learn from the experience, even if it didn't go perfectly?










Extra Challenge (Optional):

How might practicing these steps make future conflicts easier to handle?

lenny
lenny

Discussion

Conflict Scenarios and Solutions

Instructions:

In your small groups, read the scenarios below. Choose ONE scenario to work on. As a group, use the Conflict Navigator steps (Identify the Problem, Understand Perspectives, Brainstorm Solutions, Choose and Act, Reflect and Review) to discuss and find a peaceful solution. Be prepared to share your process with the class.

Scenario 1: The Group Project

Liam, Sarah, and David are working on a history project together. Liam wants to do a poster, Sarah thinks a digital presentation is better, and David hasn't started any research, saying he'll do it

lenny
lenny