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Conflict Resolution: Skill Up!

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Lesson Plan

Conflict Resolution: Skill Up!

Students will be able to identify different conflict styles and apply a three-step conflict resolution strategy to manage disagreements respectfully with peers.

Learning effective conflict resolution skills, aligned with ASCA B-SS 2 (Create positive and supportive relationships with others), is vital for building and maintaining positive relationships, both in and out of school. This lesson provides practical tools for students to navigate disagreements constructively, reducing stress and promoting a more peaceful environment.

Audience

8th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion and role-playing

Materials

Conflict Resolution: Skill Up! Slide Deck, Conflict Resolution: Role-Play Game, and Conflict Scenario Cards (optional)

Prep

Teacher Preparation

10 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: What's Your Conflict Style?

5 minutes

  • Begin with a quick discussion: "When you have a disagreement with a friend, how do you usually react?" Allow a few students to share.
  • Introduce the idea of different conflict styles (e.g., avoiding, accommodating, competing, compromising, collaborating) using the Conflict Resolution: Skill Up! Slide Deck. No need to go in-depth; just acknowledge they exist and people react differently.
  • Ask students to briefly reflect on their own tendencies privately.

Step 2

Understanding Conflict Resolution Steps

10 minutes

  • Present the three-step conflict resolution strategy using the Conflict Resolution: Skill Up! Slide Deck:
    1. Stop & Cool Down: Take a deep breath, count to ten, step away if needed.
    2. Listen & Share: Each person explains their side using "I" statements. Focus on feelings and needs, not blame.
    3. Brainstorm Solutions: Work together to find solutions that work for both parties.
  • Explain each step clearly, emphasizing empathy and respectful communication. Provide examples for each step.

Step 3

Practice Time: Conflict Role-Play Game

10 minutes

  • Introduce the Conflict Resolution: Role-Play Game.
  • Divide students into pairs or small groups.
  • Have them choose a scenario (either from the game instructions or provided by you via optional scenario cards) and role-play applying the three-step strategy.
  • Circulate to offer support and guidance, encouraging them to use "I" statements and collaborative problem-solving.
  • After a few minutes, bring the class back together to discuss their experiences and different solutions they found. Emphasize that the process is key.

Step 4

Cool-Down: One Takeaway

5 minutes

  • Ask students to write down one key thing they learned about conflict resolution or one strategy they plan to try in the future.
  • Collect the responses as an exit ticket. Optionally, ask a few students to share their takeaways with the class.
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Slide Deck

Conflict Resolution: Skill Up!

Navigating Disagreements Like a Pro!

Welcome students and introduce the topic. Explain that today's lesson is about understanding and managing disagreements.

How Do YOU Deal with Disagreements?

Think about a time you disagreed with a friend.

How did you react?

What did you do or say?

(No need to share if you don't want to! Just reflect.)

Ask students to think about how they usually react when they have a disagreement. Briefly discuss different reactions without judgment. Introduce the idea that everyone has a 'style'.

Understanding Different Styles

People react differently to conflict:

  • Avoiding: Ignoring the problem.
  • Accommodating: Giving in to keep the peace.
  • Competing: Trying to win at all costs.
  • Compromising: Finding a middle ground.
  • Collaborating: Working together for a win-win solution.

Briefly introduce common conflict styles. The goal isn't to label, but to show a spectrum of reactions. Mention avoiding, accommodating, competing, compromising, and collaborating as general ideas.

Step 1: Stop & Cool Down

Before you react, take a moment.

  • Take a deep breath.
  • Count to ten.
  • Step away if you need to.

Why is this important? It helps you think clearly instead of reacting emotionally!

Introduce the first step of the strategy: Stop & Cool Down. Emphasize that emotional responses can escalate conflict and taking a moment to calm down is crucial.

Step 2: Listen & Share

Clearly express your side AND truly hear the other person's.

  • Use 'I' statements: "I feel [emotion] when [situation] because [reason]. I need [what you need]."
  • Actively listen: Pay attention to what the other person is saying without interrupting.

Explain Step 2: Listen & Share. Stress the importance of 'I' statements to express feelings and needs without blaming the other person. Model an 'I' statement if helpful.

Step 3: Brainstorm Solutions

Work together to find a solution that works for everyone.

  • Think of lots of ideas – don't judge them yet!
  • Consider what both people need.
  • Choose a solution you can both agree on.

Discuss Step 3: Brainstorm Solutions. Highlight the idea of working together to find a solution that satisfies both parties, promoting a 'win-win' mindset.

Your 3-Step Conflict Resolution Strategy

  1. Stop & Cool Down
  2. Listen & Share
  3. Brainstorm Solutions

Now, let's play the game!

Recap the three steps and prepare students for the game activity. Remind them these are tools to practice.

Your Conflict Superpower!

You now have a powerful strategy to handle disagreements.

What's one thing you learned or one strategy you'll try?

Conclude the lesson by asking students for their main takeaway or one strategy they will try. This serves as the cool-down/exit ticket.

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Game

Conflict Resolution: Role-Play Game

Name(s): _________________________ Date: _________________________

Instructions: In your pairs or small groups, choose one of the scenarios below (or use a scenario provided by your teacher). Role-play the situation, applying the 3-step conflict resolution strategy you just learned. Remember to use "I" statements and work together to find a solution.

The 3-Step Conflict Resolution Strategy:

  1. Stop & Cool Down: Take a deep breath, count to ten, step away if needed.
  2. Listen & Share: Each person explains their side using "I" statements. Focus on feelings and needs, not blame.
  3. Brainstorm Solutions: Work together to find solutions that work for both parties.

Scenario A: The Borrowed Item

Your friend borrowed your favorite jacket last week and returned it with a small tear. You're upset because it was new, and they didn't mention it.

  • Role 1: You, the owner of the jacket.
  • Role 2: Your friend who borrowed the jacket.

Scenario B: The Team Project Disagreement

Your team for a school project needs to decide on a topic. You have a great idea, but another teammate, Jamie, strongly disagrees and keeps pushing their own idea without listening to others.

  • Role 1: You, trying to propose your idea and be heard.
  • Role 2: Jamie, who is insistent on their idea.
  • (Optional) Role 3: Another team member trying to mediate.

Scenario C: The Misunderstanding on Social Media

You saw a post on social media from a classmate, Taylor, that seemed to be making fun of something you said in class. You feel embarrassed and hurt, but you're not sure if it was actually about you.

  • Role 1: You, who saw the post.
  • Role 2: Taylor, who made the post.

Reflection Questions (After your role-play):

  1. Which step was the most challenging for you during the role-play, and why?


  2. What "I" statements did you use, or could you have used, to express your feelings and needs effectively?


  3. How did collaborating on solutions feel compared to trying to "win" the argument?


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Conflict Resolution: Skill Up! • Lenny Learning