Conflict Clues Warm-Up

Instructions: Think about a time you had a small disagreement with someone. It doesn't have to be a big fight, just a time you didn't quite see eye-to-eye.

1. What is one feeling you had when you were in that disagreement?
   
   
   
   
2. What is one thing you wished you could have said or done differently?
   
   
   
   

Conflict Resolution Script

Warm-Up: Conflict Clues (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon, everyone! To kick things off, I've got a quick warm-up for you called Conflict Clues Warm-Up. I want you to think about a small disagreement you've had recently—nothing too heavy, just a time you and someone else didn't quite see things the same way. On your handout, write down one feeling you had during that disagreement and one thing you wished you could have said or done differently.


Take about two minutes for this. No need to share if you don't want to, this is just for you to get thinking."

(Pause for 2 minutes.)

Teacher: "Alright, pencils down for a moment. Who feels comfortable sharing just one feeling they wrote down? (Pause for responses). That's great, thank you for sharing. It's totally normal to feel things like frustration, sadness, or even anger when there's a disagreement. Today, we're going to learn some superpowers for handling those feelings and turning conflicts into chances to grow."

Introduction: Why Your Voice Matters (5 minutes)

Teacher: (Transition to Slide Deck: Conflict Solved: Speak Up! Slides - Slide 1)

"Look at our lesson title today: 'Conflict Solved: Speak Up!' What do you think that means? What does it mean to 'speak up' when there's a problem? (Pause for student responses, affirm good ideas like 'sharing your opinion,' 'telling someone how you feel,' 'standing up for yourself.')"

Teacher: (Transition to Slide Deck: Conflict Solved: Speak Up! Slides - Slide 2)

"Exactly! Today, our objective is to learn and practice some really positive ways to handle disagreements, whether it's with a friend, a classmate, a teacher, or even a family member. We're also going to work on something super important: improving how you share your needs and feelings. For Aniyah, specifically, we're going to focus on articulating her needs or feelings clearly, both in our sessions and in class. This is a skill everyone can build!"

"Why is this important? Because conflicts are a natural part of life, right? We all have different ideas and feelings. But how we handle those conflicts makes all the difference. Learning these skills helps you build stronger friendships, feel more confident in yourself, and make sure your needs are met respectfully. It's about being heard and understood, and understanding others too."

Exploring Positive Strategies (5 minutes)

Teacher: (Transition to Slide Deck: Conflict Solved: Speak Up! Slides - Slide 3)

"So, when conflicts pop up, you're not helpless! You have some amazing tools, or 'superpower strategies' as I like to call them. Let's look at four key ones:

1. Perspective-Taking: This means trying to understand the other person's side. If you were them, how might you feel? Why might they be acting that way? It's like stepping into their shoes for a moment. Why do you think this could be helpful?

2. Assertive Communication: This is about clearly and respectfully stating your feelings and needs. It's not being aggressive or mean, and it's not being a doormat. It's saying, 'I feel [emotion] when [action], and I need [what you need].' For example, 'I feel frustrated when I'm interrupted, and I need a chance to finish my thought.' This is a huge part of 'speaking up' effectively. Aniyah, this is where we'll really focus on practicing sharing those feelings and needs.

3. Problem-Solving: Once you understand each other a bit, it's time to work together to find a solution that works for everyone. It's not about winning or losing, but finding a 'win-win' if possible. What are some ways you've tried to solve problems with friends before?

4. Seeking Assistance: Sometimes, a conflict is too big, too confusing, or too overwhelming to handle alone. That's when you know it's okay, and even strong, to ask a trusted adult for help – like a parent, teacher, or counselor. This isn't tattling; it's smart self-advocacy."

Activity: Role Play Challenges (10 minutes)

Teacher: (Transition to Slide Deck: Conflict Solved: Speak Up! Slides - Slide 4)

"Now it's time to put these superpower strategies to the test! I'm going to give each of your groups a scenario from our Activity: Role Play Challenges Activity. Your task is to work in pairs or small groups. Choose one person to be the 'solver' – the one who needs to use these strategies – and another person to be the 'other person' in the conflict. Then, act it out! Try to use perspective-taking, assertive communication, and problem-solving. If you get stuck, remember seeking assistance!"

"I'll be walking around, listening, and giving hints if you need them. Remember, the goal isn't perfect acting; it's practicing these new skills. Aniyah, specifically, try to really focus on clearly stating what you need or how you feel in your role-play. Take about 8 minutes to practice your scenario, then we'll come back together."

(Circulate, listen, provide coaching. Encourage specific use of the strategies. Prompt Aniyah: 'How could you use an 'I feel...' statement here? What do you need in this situation?')

Group Share and Cool-Down (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Alright everyone, bring it back together. Great job practicing those scenarios! Did anyone's group want to briefly share how they approached their conflict, or maybe one strategy they found particularly helpful? (Call on 1-2 groups if time allows, highlighting effective strategy use.)"

"You all did a fantastic job today learning how to approach conflicts with a positive mindset and some powerful new tools. Remember, your voice is incredibly important, and learning to use it assertively and respectfully will help you in so many ways."

(Distribute the Cool-Down: My Voice Matters Cool-Down.)

Teacher: "To wrap things up, please take a moment to complete this Cool-Down: My Voice Matters Cool-Down. Think about our main question from today: 'How will you use your voice this week to solve a conflict or express a need?' Write down your thoughts, and when you're done, you can hand it in as your exit ticket. Thank you all for your hard work and great participation today! Keep practicing those superpowers!"

Role Play Challenges

Instructions: Work with your partner or small group. Read your assigned scenario carefully. Decide who will be the "solver" (the person facing the conflict) and who will be the "other person" in the scenario. Practice using the positive conflict resolution strategies we discussed:

• Perspective-Taking: Try to understand why the other person might be acting that way.
• Assertive Communication: Clearly and respectfully state your feelings and needs.
• Problem-Solving: Work together to find a fair solution.
• Seeking Assistance: If you get stuck, imagine when you might ask a trusted adult for help.

Scenario 1: The Missing Hoodie

Situation: Your best friend borrowed your favorite hoodie last week, and you haven't seen it since. You've asked them about it, and they just say, "Oh, I'll get it back to you," but they haven't. You need it for a school event this weekend.

Your Goal: Get your hoodie back and make sure your friend understands how you feel, without damaging your friendship.

Scenario 2: Group Project Trouble

Situation: You are in a group project for science, and one member of your group consistently isn't doing their part. They show up unprepared, and the deadline is getting close. You're worried about your grade.

Your Goal: Talk to your group member about their lack of participation and find a way for everyone to contribute fairly to the project.

Scenario 3: Misunderstood Grade

Situation: You worked really hard on a recent essay, but you received a lower grade than you expected. You feel like the teacher might have misunderstood your main point, or you're not sure why you lost so many points in one area. You're a bit nervous to talk to the teacher.

Your Goal: Approach your teacher respectfully to understand your grade better and see if there's anything you can do to improve or clarify your work.

My Voice Matters Cool-Down

Instructions: Reflect on today's lesson and your practice. Answer the questions below.

1. What was one new strategy you learned or practiced today for resolving conflicts?
   
   
   
   
2. Think about a situation coming up this week (it could be small!). How will you use your voice to either express a need or help solve a minor disagreement?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
3. (Optional) What's one question you still have about handling conflicts or speaking up for yourself?