Conflict Resolution Scenarios Activity

Instructions:

1. Work with your group to choose ONE of the scenarios below.
2. Read the scenario carefully.
3. Discuss with your group how you would use the conflict resolution strategies we learned (Active Listening, Identifying Needs, and "I" Statements) to resolve the conflict constructively.
4. Work together to come up with a "win-win" solution.
5. Be prepared to share your scenario and solution with the class!

Scenario Cards (Cut these out)

Scenario 1: The Group Project Dilemma

It's time for a group project in science class. You and two other classmates are assigned to build a model of the solar system. One member of your group, Alex, wants to do all the drawing and painting because they think they are the best artist. Another member, Jamie, wants to focus on researching facts and writing the presentation script. You want to contribute to the creative part, like designing the planets, but Alex isn't giving you a chance. You feel left out and unheard.

Task: How would you approach Alex and Jamie using active listening and "I" statements to ensure everyone contributes fairly and feels valued? What could be a win-win solution?

Scenario 2: The Lunchtime Table Trouble

Every day, you and your best friend, Sam, sit at the same table in the cafeteria. Recently, a new student, Maya, started sitting with you and has been talking a lot, often interrupting you and Sam. You feel like you don't get to talk much anymore, and Sam seems a little annoyed too. You value Maya's company but miss your old lunchtime dynamic with Sam.

Task: How could you talk to Maya (and perhaps Sam) about this situation using "I" statements? What are everyone's needs here? How can you find a solution that works for all three of you?

Scenario 3: The Borrowed Item

Last week, you lent your favorite new book to your classmate, Taylor, who promised to return it today. When you asked for it back, Taylor said, "Oh, I actually let my cousin borrow it for the weekend. I'll get it back next week." You're upset because you really wanted to re-read it this weekend, and Taylor didn't ask you before lending it to someone else.

Task: How would you express your feelings to Taylor using an "I" statement? What needs are not being met for you? What needs might Taylor have? How can you resolve this in a way that respects both your feelings and your friendship?

Scenario 4: The Game Controller Conundrum

You and your sibling both love playing video games. You only have one good controller, and you both want to use it right now. Your sibling says, "I had it first!" but you know you had a schedule for who gets it when. They claim they forgot. You feel frustrated because this happens often, and you want to play too.

Task: How can you use active listening to understand your sibling's perspective? What is the core need for each of you? How can you use "I" statements to express your feelings and propose a fair solution that prevents this from happening again?

Conflict Resolution Crew Script

Warm-Up: What's the Fuss? (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! Today we're going to talk about something really important that affects all of us: how we handle disagreements. To start, when you hear the word 'conflict,' what comes to mind? Shout out some words or phrases, and I'll write them on the board."

(Allow students to share. Write their responses on the board. Acknowledge all contributions.)

Teacher: "Great ideas! As you can see, conflict can bring up a lot of different feelings and situations. But here's the cool thing: learning how to handle conflicts well is one of the most powerful life skills you can have. Today, we're becoming the Conflict Resolution Crew! Our mission is to learn how to solve problems together."

(Transition to Conflict Resolution Crew Slide Deck - Slide 1-2 to review objectives.)

Understanding Conflict (10 minutes)

Teacher: "So, what exactly is conflict? Take a look at the slide."

(Display Conflict Resolution Crew Slide Deck - Slide 3: What is Conflict?)

Teacher: "Conflict is a disagreement or argument between two or more people. It's a natural part of life, but how we handle it matters! The key isn't to avoid conflict entirely, but to learn how to handle it when it comes up."

Teacher: "Let's think about how people usually react to conflict. Look at these common responses."

(Display Conflict Resolution Crew Slide Deck - Slide 4: How Do We Usually React?)

Teacher: "Sometimes, people avoid the problem, hoping it will go away. Other times, they might give in just to keep the peace. And sometimes, people try to 'win' an argument at all costs. What do you think happens when someone always tries to win? Or always gives in?"

(Allow brief student responses.)

Teacher: "Exactly. These reactions can sometimes make things worse or leave people feeling unheard. Today, we're going to focus on more constructive ways. But first, why do conflicts even happen?"

(Display Conflict Resolution Crew Slide Deck - Slide 5: Why Do Conflicts Happen?)

Teacher: "As you can see, conflicts often come from simple things like different ideas, misunderstandings, or when someone's needs aren't being met. The good news is, if we handle conflict well, it can actually be a positive thing!"

(Display Conflict Resolution Crew Slide Deck - Slide 6: Conflict CAN Be Constructive!)

Teacher: "It can help us understand each other better, find creative solutions, and even make our relationships stronger. So, let's dive into our tools!"

Tools for Resolution (15 minutes)

Teacher: "Our first tool is super important: Active Listening."

(Display Conflict Resolution Crew Slide Deck - Slide 7: Tool #1: Active Listening)

Teacher: "Active listening is more than just hearing words. It means giving your full attention, making eye contact, and showing the person you're listening with nods or by saying 'uh-huh.' It also means trying to understand their perspective, not just waiting for your turn to talk. Sometimes, you can even repeat back what you heard to make sure you understood correctly."

(Demonstrate active listening with a quick example. Ask a student to describe their favorite weekend activity in one sentence, then paraphrase it back to them.)

Teacher: "Our next tool helps us get to the root of the problem: Identifying Needs."

(Display Conflict Resolution Crew Slide Deck - Slide 8: Tool #2: Identifying Needs)

Teacher: "When a conflict happens, it's often because someone's 'needs' aren't being met. A 'need' isn't always something big like food or water. It could be a need to feel respected, a need to be heard, a need for fairness, or a need for alone time. It's important to think: 'What do I really need here? And what do I think the other person really needs?' Once we understand needs, it's much easier to find solutions that work for everyone."

Teacher: "And finally, a powerful way to express yourself without blaming: Using 'I' Statements."

(Display Conflict Resolution Crew Slide Deck - Slide 9: Tool #3: Using "I" Statements)

Teacher: "When we're upset, it's easy to say things like, 'You always mess things up!' or 'You never listen!' These are 'You' statements, and they often make the other person feel defensive, which makes the conflict worse. Instead, we want to use 'I' statements. An 'I' statement focuses on how you feel and what you need, without blaming. For example, instead of 'You always interrupt me!' you could say, 'I feel frustrated when I can't finish my thought.'"

Teacher: "Let's try a couple. If someone says, 'You never let me pick the game!', how could you turn that into an 'I' statement?"

(Wait for responses and guide them to focus on feelings and needs. E.g., "I feel left out when I don't get a turn to choose.")

Teacher: "Great! And if someone says, 'You always leave your stuff everywhere!', what's an 'I' statement you could use?"

(Guide responses. E.g., "I feel overwhelmed when I see clutter in our shared space.")

Teacher: "Remember, once you understand needs and can express yourself clearly with 'I' statements, you can then brainstorm solutions together. The goal is a Win-Win Solution!"

(Display Conflict Resolution Crew Slide Deck - Slide 10: Finding a Win-Win Solution)

Teacher: "This means finding a solution where everyone feels like they got something positive out of it, and their important needs were met."

Practice Makes Progress: Scenarios (15 minutes)

Teacher: "Alright, Conflict Resolution Crew, it's time to put these tools into action! I'm going to divide you into small groups. Each group will get some Conflict Resolution Scenarios Activity cards. Your task is to choose one scenario, read it, and then, as a group, discuss how you would use active listening, identifying needs, and 'I' statements to solve it constructively. Then, come up with a win-win solution. I'll be walking around to help out!"

(Divide students into groups and distribute scenario cards from Conflict Resolution Scenarios Activity. Circulate, listen, and provide support. After 10-12 minutes, bring the class back together.)

Teacher: "Fantastic work, everyone! Let's hear from a couple of groups. Who would like to share their scenario and their win-win solution?"

(Facilitate sharing and discussion, highlighting good use of strategies.)

Reflect and Apply (5 minutes)

Teacher: "You've all done an amazing job today. Conflict resolution is a skill, and like any skill, it gets better with practice. To wrap up, I have a short worksheet for you."

(Distribute My Conflict Resolution Plan Worksheet.)

Teacher: "Please complete this worksheet independently. It's a chance to reflect on what we learned and how you can apply these tools in your own life. Remember, by using active listening, identifying needs, and 'I' statements, you can navigate conflicts peacefully and build stronger relationships, becoming true members of the Conflict Resolution Crew!"

(Display Conflict Resolution Crew Slide Deck - Slide 11: You Are The Crew!)

Teacher: "Thank you for being such thoughtful and engaged learners today!"

My Conflict Resolution Plan

Name: ____________________________

Date: ____________________________

Part 1: Reflecting on Conflict

1. Describe a time recently when you experienced a disagreement or conflict with someone (a friend, family member, classmate, etc.). You don't need to give names, just describe the situation.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. How did you (or the other person) initially react to this conflict? (e.g., got angry, avoided talking, tried to win, gave in)
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Looking back, what was the main reason for this conflict? (e.g., misunderstanding, different desires, unmet need)
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Applying Conflict Resolution Tools

Think about the strategies we learned today: Active Listening, Identifying Needs, and Using "I" Statements. Choose ONE of the scenarios from the Conflict Resolution Scenarios Activity or use the personal conflict you described above.

My Chosen Scenario/Conflict: __________________________________________________________________

1. Active Listening: If you were in this situation again, how would you practice active listening to truly understand the other person's perspective? What specifically would you do or say?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Identifying Needs: What do you think your needs were in this situation? What do you think the other person's needs were? (Think deeper than just what you wanted, but what underlying feelings or desires were important?)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Using "I" Statements: Write one or two "I" statements you could use to express your feelings and needs in this situation without blaming the other person.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: Towards a Win-Win Solution

1. Based on the strategies, what could be a possible "win-win" solution for this conflict? How would it address the needs of everyone involved?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What is one thing you will try to do differently next time you face a conflict, based on what you learned today?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Conflict Resolution Crew Pledge

I, ____________________________, pledge to use the tools of active listening, identifying needs, and "I" statements to resolve conflicts peacefully and respectfully. I will strive to be a proactive problem-solver and contribute to a more positive community.

Signed: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________

My Conflict Resolution Plan

Name: ____________________________

Date: ____________________________

Part 1: Reflecting on Conflict

1. Describe a time recently when you experienced a disagreement or conflict with someone (a friend, family member, classmate, etc.). You don't need to give names, just describe the situation.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. How did you (or the other person) initially react to this conflict? (e.g., got angry, avoided talking, tried to win, gave in)
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Looking back, what was the main reason for this conflict? (e.g., misunderstanding, different desires, unmet need)
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 2: Applying Conflict Resolution Tools

Think about the strategies we learned today: Active Listening, Identifying Needs, and Using "I" Statements. Choose ONE of the scenarios from the Conflict Resolution Scenarios Activity or use the personal conflict you described above.

My Chosen Scenario/Conflict: __________________________________________________________________

1. Active Listening: If you were in this situation again, how would you practice active listening to truly understand the other person's perspective? What specifically would you do or say?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Identifying Needs: What do you think your needs were in this situation? What do you think the other person's needs were? (Think deeper than just what you wanted, but what underlying feelings or desires were important?)
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. Using "I" Statements: Write one or two "I" statements you could use to express your feelings and needs in this situation without blaming the other person.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Part 3: Towards a Win-Win Solution

1. Based on the strategies, what could be a possible "win-win" solution for this conflict? How would it address the needs of everyone involved?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. What is one thing you will try to do differently next time you face a conflict, based on what you learned today?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Conflict Resolution Crew Pledge

I, ____________________________, pledge to use the tools of active listening, identifying needs, and "I" statements to resolve conflicts peacefully and respectfully. I will strive to be a proactive problem-solver and contribute to a more positive community.

Signed: ____________________________ Date: ____________________________