Lesson Plan
No Way! Game Plan
Students will learn and practice four respectful conflict-resolution responses by earning points in the “No Way! Game,” demonstrating key relationship skills aligned to CASEL.
Teaching conflict-resolution helps students build empathy, communicate respectfully, and maintain positive peer relationships, supporting a safe and collaborative classroom climate.
Audience
3rd Grade Class
Time
40 minutes
Approach
Interactive, game-based practice
Materials
Game Rules Slides, Respect Response Race Game, Scorecard Sheet, Team Cheer Routine, Colorful Counters, and Timer
Prep
Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the four target respectful responses you’ll teach and model.
- Print and laminate Scorecard Sheet for classroom display and individual copies.
- Prepare and test the Game Rules Slides on your projector or interactive board.
- Print, cut, and organize scenario cards for the Respect Response Race Game.
- Familiarize yourself with the Team Cheer Routine steps and cues.
Step 1
Introduction & Warm-Up
5 minutes
- Gather students in a circle on the carpet.
- Ask: “What happens when friends disagree?” Solicit 2–3 examples of conflicts.
- Explain we’ll learn respectful ways to respond and earn points playing a game.
Step 2
Teach Game Rules
5 minutes
- Display Game Rules Slides.
- Walk through how teams earn points by choosing respectful responses.
- Check for understanding with a quick thumbs-up/thumbs-down on each rule.
Step 3
Model Respectful Responses
5 minutes
- Introduce the four key responses (e.g., “I feel…,” “Can we talk?,” “I’m listening,” “Let’s find a solution”).
- Role-play a mini scenario with a volunteer, demonstrating each response.
- Invite one student to practice a response aloud.
Step 4
Play Respect Response Race
20 minutes
- Divide students into 3–4 teams and assign each team a section of the Scorecard Sheet.
- Draw or display a scenario card from Respect Response Race Game.
- Teams discuss and choose the most respectful response, then hold up their answer.
- Award points using Colorful Counters; record on the Scorecard.
- Continue rotating scenarios until time is up.
Step 5
Cool-Down & Reflection
5 minutes
- Lead the class in the Team Cheer Routine to celebrate teamwork.
- In pairs, students share one respectful response they’ll use next time.
- Close with: “Nice work practicing respectful communication!”
use Lenny to create lessons.
No credit card needed
Slide Deck
Conflict? No Way! Game Rules
Welcome to the No Way! conflict-resolution game. You’ll earn points by choosing respectful ways to solve problems with friends. Let’s learn how to play!
Welcome students and introduce the No Way! game. Explain that they will learn the rules here before playing.
Game Objectives
• Practice four respectful conflict-response phrases
• Work in teams to solve scenarios
• Earn points by choosing the most respectful response
• Celebrate cooperation and positive communication
Point out the objectives so students understand the purpose of the game.
How to Play
- Divide into 3–4 teams.
- Each team gets a section on the Scorecard Sheet.
- Watch or draw a scenario card.
- Discuss with your team.
- Hold up your chosen response together.
Explain team setup and how scenarios will be presented.
Earning Points
• 3 points: Best respectful response
• 1 point: Okay response but could be more respectful
• 0 points: Not respectful or ignores others
Keep track with your Colorful Counters on the Scorecard Sheet!
Clarify the point system so students know what they’re aiming for.
Four Respectful Responses
- “I feel …” statement
- “Can we talk?” invitation
- “I’m listening” acknowledgment
- “Let’s find a solution” collaboration
Introduce the four target responses one by one, modeling tone and body language.
Rules & Reminders
• Wait your turn—no interrupting
• Speak kindly and clearly
• Respect teammates’ ideas
• Have fun and cheer for others!
Review key reminders before starting the game.
Game
Respect Response Race Game
Overview:
The Respect Response Race is a team-based game where students practice four key respectful responses to everyday conflicts. Working quickly and cooperatively, teams earn points by selecting the most respectful response to each scenario card.
Game Setup:
- Divide the class into 3–4 teams.
- Give each team a copy of the Scorecard Sheet and a pile of colorful counters.
- Shuffle and place the scenario cards face down in the center.
Materials:
- Scenario Cards (see list below)
- Scorecard Sheet
- Colorful Counters
- Timer (optional)
How to Play:
- A team draws the top card and reads the scenario aloud.
- Teams have 1 minute to discuss and choose one of the four respectful responses:
• "I feel..." statement
• "Can we talk?" invitation
• "I’m listening" acknowledgment
• "Let’s find a solution" collaboration - On the count of three, teams hold up a card with their chosen response.
- Award points: 3 for the best respectful response; 1 for an okay response; 0 for ignoring respectful language.
- Record points on the Scorecard Sheet.
- The next team draws a card. Continue until time is up or cards run out.
Scenarios:
- Cut in Line: Alex cuts in front of you at lunch.
- Left Out: Your friend plays with others but doesn’t ask you to join.
- Name-Calling: Someone calls you a mean name during recess.
- Messy Desk: A classmate scribbles on your paper by accident.
- Disagreement: Two friends want to be team captain for a game.
- Borrowed Item: A peer takes your crayon without asking.
- Noise: The person next to you is tapping loudly during work time.
- Teasing: Friends are teasing someone about their lunch.
Timing:
• Allow about 2–3 minutes per scenario (1 minute discussion + response time).
• Adjust based on class pace; aim for 6–8 scenarios in 20 minutes.
Winning:
The team with the most points at the end celebrates with the Team Cheer Routine!
Worksheet
Scorecard Sheet
Instructions: Write your team name above each column. After each scenario, record the points your team earned. Use a dry-erase marker if laminated. Add up your points in the Total Points row.
| Scenario No. | Team A | Team B | Team C | Team D |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||||
| 2 | ||||
| 3 | ||||
| 4 | ||||
| 5 | ||||
| 6 | ||||
| 7 | ||||
| 8 | ||||
| Total Points |
Cool Down
Team Cheer
Duration: 2 minutes
Instructions:
- Teach students the chant and accompanying motions step by step.
- Practice together twice to build confidence.
- Finish with partner high-fives to celebrate.
Script & Movements:
- Teacher cue: “All right, team! Let’s cheer for our respectful teamwork!”
- Group (point to head): “Conflict?”
- Group (shake head, arms out): “No way!”
- Group (extend arms out wide): “Respect”
- Group (make circle motion with fingers): “all the way!”
- Group (clap twice): “Nice work, team!”
Notes:
- Encourage big, enthusiastic gestures and clear voices.
- Lead the cheer two times in a row.
- End with each student giving a high-five to a partner.