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Conflict? Solve It!

Sam

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Conflict? Solve It! Guide

Students will learn and apply a five-step conflict resolution process to real-life scenarios, co-create classroom norms for handling disagreements respectfully, and craft a peace pledge to reinforce positive communication.

This lesson builds essential social-emotional learning skills by equipping 8th graders to navigate conflicts constructively, strengthen peer relationships, and foster a supportive classroom environment.

Audience

8th Grade

Time

55 minutes

Approach

Interactive scenarios, role plays, and collaborative norm-setting

Materials

Resolution Roadmap Slides, Conflict Role Play Triads, Norms Co-Creation Workshop, Peace Pledge Poster, Chart Paper, Markers, and Sticky Notes

Prep

Materials Preparation

10 minutes

  • Print and review Resolution Roadmap Slides
  • Print and cut scenario cards for Conflict Role Play Triads
  • Prepare chart paper and markers for Norms Co-Creation Workshop
  • Gather supplies (poster board, markers) for Peace Pledge Poster
  • Familiarize yourself with the five-step roadmap and scenario prompts

Step 1

Warm-Up: Conflict Scenarios

10 minutes

  • Introduce an everyday conflict scenario (e.g., classroom disagreement) on the board
  • Ask students to identify underlying needs and interests driving the conflict
  • Record student observations on chart paper for later reference

Step 2

Direct Instruction: Conflict Resolution Roadmap

10 minutes

  • Present the five-step process via Resolution Roadmap Slides
  • Explain each step: Calm Down, Identify Needs, Brainstorm Solutions, Choose a Solution, Reflect
  • Pause for quick comprehension checks and answer questions

Step 3

Activity: Role Play Triads

15 minutes

  • Divide students into groups of three
  • Assign each group a scenario from Conflict Role Play Triads
  • Roles: Person A, Person B, Observer
  • Groups enact the scenario, applying each roadmap step; observers note strengths and areas to improve
  • Rotate roles so each student practices multiple perspectives

Step 4

Discussion: Norms Co-Creation Workshop

15 minutes

  • Reconvene as a whole class with chart paper
  • Invite students to share insights from their role plays
  • Brainstorm and list norms for respectful conflict resolution (e.g., "Listen without interrupting")
  • Refine into 5–7 actionable classroom norms and display prominently

Step 5

Cool-Down: Create Peace Pledge Poster

5 minutes

  • Distribute materials for Peace Pledge Poster
  • Ask each student to write one sentence pledge on how they will handle conflicts respectfully
  • Collect pledges and assemble them into a class poster to display as a reminder
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Slide Deck

Resolution Roadmap

A five-step process to navigate conflicts respectfully:

  1. Calm Down
  2. Identify Needs
  3. Brainstorm Solutions
  4. Choose a Solution
  5. Reflect

Introduce the purpose of the roadmap. Emphasize that these five steps help us work through disagreements in a calm, constructive way. Explain that we will learn each step and then practice applying them.

Why Conflict Resolution?

• Builds trust and respect in our classroom
• Helps us understand each other’s perspectives
• Turns disagreements into opportunities to grow

Connect to students’ experiences. Ask: Why might it be hard to resolve conflicts? Capture 2-3 responses. Highlight how these skills strengthen relationships and reduce stress.

Step 1: Calm Down

• Take slow, deep breaths
• Count to five or step away briefly
• Lower your voice and slow your movements

Explain that when emotions run high, communication suffers. Ask students: What helps you calm down? Record two ideas on chart paper.

Step 2: Identify Needs

• Notice your feelings (frustration, hurt)
• Ask yourself what you need (respect, fairness, space)
• Use “I” statements to name your needs

Model with a quick example: Sarah feels frustrated when Alex takes her seat. Ask: What might Sarah really need? Guide them toward needs like respect or fairness.

Step 3: Brainstorm Solutions

• Generate as many options as you can
• No idea is a bad idea at this stage
• Focus on fair and respectful solutions

Invite students to shout out possible solutions to the same seat-taking example. Write 3–4 ideas on the board without judging them.

Step 4: Choose a Solution

• Discuss the pros and cons of each option
• Agree on a solution that respects everyone
• Make a clear plan to follow through

Explain that we choose solutions that meet both people’s needs. Ask: Which solution seems most practical and fair? Encourage weighing pros and cons.

Step 5: Reflect

• Check in on how you feel afterward
• Talk about what went well and what was hard
• Use feedback to handle future conflicts better

Stress the importance of reflecting to learn from each conflict. Ask students: How will you know if it worked? Where could you improve next time?

Apply the Roadmap

In your triad:
• Choose or receive a scenario card
• Go through Steps 1–5 together
• Observer notes strengths and areas to improve

Transition to the role-play activity. Explain that they will work in triads and apply each step to a scenario. Remind them to refer back to these slides as a guide.

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Activity

Conflict Role Play Triads

In this activity, students work in triads to apply the five-step conflict resolution roadmap in realistic scenarios. Each triad receives a scenario card and roles: Person A, Person B, and Observer.

Instructions

  1. Form groups of three.
  2. Distribute one scenario card and one observer checklist per group.
  3. Assign roles: Person A, Person B, Observer.
  4. Persons A and B enact the conflict, using each of the five steps:
    • Step 1: Calm Down
    • Step 2: Identify Needs
    • Step 3: Brainstorm Solutions
    • Step 4: Choose a Solution
    • Step 5: Reflect
  5. The Observer uses the checklist to note strengths and areas for improvement.
  6. After 5–7 minutes, pause to rotate roles so each student experiences every perspective.

Roles

• Person A: Shares feelings and needs, practices “I” statements.
• Person B: Listens actively, asks clarifying questions, offers ideas.
• Observer: Watches body language, tone, step application; takes notes on the checklist.

Scenario Cards

Scenario 1: The Borrowed Hoodie

Person A lent their favorite hoodie to Person B. Person B returned it stained. Person A is upset about damage; Person B feels bad but worried about cost to replace it.

Scenario 2: Group Project Split

In a team of four, Person A feels they are doing more than their fair share. Person B believes Person A isn’t trusting teammates enough and wants to balance tasks differently.

Scenario 3: Lunch Table Drama

Person A brought a special snack and found Person B took the last piece without asking. Person B thought it was up for grabs and didn’t realize it was shared.

Scenario 4: Locker Mix-Up

Person A’s books were misplaced in Person B’s locker. Person A is stressed about missing materials; Person B didn’t mean harm and thought they were cleaning a random pile.

Scenario 5: After-School Club Clash

Person A and Person B both want to lead the same fundraiser event. Person A believes they have more experience; Person B argues for fresh ideas and equal opportunity.

Observer Checklist

Use the space below to record how well Persons A and B applied each step. Be specific and kind.

  1. Calm Down:
    • Did they use breathing or a short break?
    Notes:


  2. Identify Needs:
    • Did they name feelings and needs with “I” statements?
    Notes:


  3. Brainstorm Solutions:
    • Did they propose at least three ideas without judgment?
    Notes:


  4. Choose a Solution:
    • Did they agree on a fair plan and clarify next steps?
    Notes:


  5. Reflect:
    • Did they discuss what worked and what to improve?
    Notes:


After completing all rotations, discuss as a class:

  • Which step felt easiest or hardest?
  • What strategies helped you stay calm or listen closely?
  • How can our observations shape our classroom norms?

Link back to Resolution Roadmap Slides as needed!

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Discussion

Norms Co-Creation Workshop

Purpose: Co-create 5–7 classroom norms to guide respectful conflict resolution.

Materials: Chart paper or whiteboard, markers, sticky notes, Resolution Roadmap Slides, Conflict Role Play Triads.

Step 1: Reflect on Role Plays (5 minutes)

  • Prompt: “What did you notice about how groups used the conflict resolution steps?”
  • Ask students to share one strength and one challenge from their triad activities.
  • Record responses in two columns on chart paper.

Strengths:



Challenges:


Step 2: Brainstorm Norm Ideas (5 minutes)

  • Give each student 2–3 sticky notes.
  • Prompt: “Write one idea per note for a class norm that supports respectful conflict resolution.”
  • Students post their notes under a “Norm Ideas” heading on chart paper.

Step 3: Cluster & Discuss (5 minutes)

  • Group similar sticky notes into clusters (e.g., “Listen Actively,” “Speak Calmly,” “Stay Open-Minded”).
  • For each cluster, ask: “How can we word this as a clear, positive norm?”
  • Record phrased suggestions next to each cluster.

Cluster 1 (Listening):
• …



Cluster 2 (Speaking Clearly):
• …


Step 4: Refine & Select Norms (5 minutes)

  • Review the drafted norms together.
  • Prompt: “Is the language positive, actionable, and easy to remember?”
  • Edit wording as needed.
  • Dot-vote: Give each student two votes to pick the top 5–7 norms.

Draft Norms (full list):

  1. …
  2. …
  3. …
  4. …
  5. …

Step 5: Finalize & Display (5 minutes)

  • Write the top-voted norms neatly on chart paper titled Our Conflict-Resolution Norms.
  • Invite volunteers to sign or initial beside the norms as a commitment.
  • Display these norms prominently in the classroom.

Follow-Up Questions

  • How will we remind ourselves to follow these norms when disagreements arise?
  • What should we do if we notice someone forgetting a norm?
  • How can we check in later to see if our norms are helping?

Link back to Resolution Roadmap Slides when revisiting these norms throughout the year.

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Cool Down

Peace Pledge Poster

Purpose: End the lesson on a positive note by having each student commit to a respectful conflict-resolution practice and display their pledges as a class reminder.

Materials: Poster board or chart paper, colored paper strips or index cards, markers, tape or glue sticks.

Instructions

  1. Give each student one paper strip and a marker.

  2. Prompt students to write a one-sentence pledge starting with “I pledge to…” that describes how they will handle disagreements respectfully.
    • Example stems:

    • “I pledge to listen fully before responding when I’m upset.”
    • “I pledge to use calm words and breathing when I feel angry.”
    • “I pledge to ask, ‘How can we solve this together?’ instead of blaming.”

  3. Provide space for writing:

    I pledge to _________________________________


  4. After 2–3 minutes, collect all strips and arrange them on the poster board under the title Our Peace Pledges.

  5. Invite volunteers to decorate the border or add symbols (e.g., doves, peace signs) around the pledges.

  6. Display the completed poster in a high-traffic area of the classroom as a daily reminder of your community’s commitment.

Extension (optional): Revisit the Peace Pledge Poster before future lessons when tensions run high. Ask: “Which pledge can help you stay calm and constructive right now?”

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