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Conflict to Connection

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Melinda Miller

Tier 1
For Schools

Lesson Plan

Conflict to Connection Lesson Plan

Students will learn and apply a structured, four-step conflict resolution process by analyzing real-life scenarios and reflecting on personal communication strategies.

This lesson equips 8th graders with essential social-emotional skills for peaceful problem-solving, stronger peer relationships, and a respectful classroom culture.

Audience

8th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive scenarios and guided reflection.

Materials

Conflict Scenarios Cards, Conflict Resolution Steps Poster, Reflection Worksheet, and Timer

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

  • Print and cut out enough Conflict Scenarios Cards so each pair of students receives one card.
  • Print copies of the Reflection Worksheet for all students.
  • Hang the Conflict Resolution Steps Poster in a visible classroom area.
  • Review the four-step process and familiarize yourself with each scenario.

Step 1

Introduction

5 minutes

  • Greet students and explain the importance of resolving disagreements calmly.
  • Introduce the four-step conflict resolution process: Identify, Understand, Brainstorm, Agree.
  • Display the Conflict Resolution Steps Poster and briefly describe each step.

Step 2

Scenario Practice

10 minutes

  • Divide students into pairs and distribute one Conflict Scenarios Card each.
  • In pairs, students read their scenario and use the steps on the poster to outline a peaceful solution.
  • Circulate to support pairs; offer sentence starters to struggling students (e.g., “I feel…, because…”).

Step 3

Group Discussion

8 minutes

  • Reconvene as a class. Invite 3–4 pairs to share their scenario and proposed solution.
  • Ask classmates to provide positive feedback and alternative ideas.
  • Challenge advanced students to suggest how the solution might differ if roles were reversed.

Step 4

Reflection

7 minutes

  • Distribute the Reflection Worksheet.
  • Students individually answer:
    • Which step was hardest and why?
    • How might you use this process in your own life?
  • Collect worksheets to assess understanding and adjust future support.
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Slide Deck

Conflict to Connection

A practical lesson on resolving conflicts peacefully and building stronger relationships.

GRADE 8 | 30 MINUTES | TIER 1 CLASSROOM LESSON

Welcome students and introduce today’s session on conflict resolution. Briefly explain that they will learn a simple four-step process to resolve disagreements and strengthen relationships.

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will:

  • Understand a four-step conflict resolution process
  • Apply the process to real-life scenarios
  • Reflect on your own communication strategies

Read aloud the objectives. Emphasize why learning conflict resolution is important for school and life.

Why Conflict Resolution Matters

  • Builds trust and respect among peers
  • Reduces stress and frustration
  • Strengthens teamwork and collaboration
  • Prepares you for real-world challenges

Discuss examples of everyday conflicts (e.g., friendship disagreements, group project issues) and how resolving them respectfully benefits everyone.

Four-Step Conflict Resolution Process

  1. Identify: Clearly state the problem.
  2. Understand: Listen and empathize with each other’s perspective.
  3. Brainstorm: Generate multiple solutions together.
  4. Agree: Choose the best solution and commit to it.

Display the Conflict Resolution Steps Poster. Walk through each step with a quick example.

Scenario Practice

  1. Pair up and receive one Conflict Scenarios Card.
  2. Read your scenario aloud.
  3. Follow the four steps to outline a peaceful solution.
  4. Share your solution with the class later.

Explain how students will work in pairs. Remind them to use sentence starters if they get stuck.

Example Scenario

Scenario: Two classmates both want the last seat on the bus.

• Identify: “We both want this seat.”
• Understand: “Can you tell me why this seat is important to you?”
• Brainstorm: “Could we take turns? Or sit here and switch halfway?”
• Agree: “Let’s sit together this week, then switch next week.”

Model an example scenario. Show how you identify the problem, ask understanding questions, brainstorm, and agree.

Group Discussion

  • 3–4 pairs share their scenario and solution
  • Classmates give positive feedback and suggestions
  • Advanced challenge: What if roles were reversed?

Invite 3–4 pairs to present their solutions. Encourage classmates to offer positive feedback and alternative ideas. Ask advanced groups to swap roles and re-solve.

Reflection

Answer the following on your worksheet:

  • Which step was hardest for you and why?
  • How might you use this process in your own life?

Distribute the Reflection Worksheet. Circulate as students write to support deeper thinking.

Key Takeaways

  • A clear, four-step process makes resolving conflicts simple.
  • Respectful communication builds stronger relationships.
  • You can use these skills in school, at home, and beyond.

Summarize the lesson. Reinforce that practicing these steps will make conflict resolution easier over time.

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Activity

Conflict Scenarios Cards

Use these cards in pairs. Read your card aloud, then work through the four-step conflict resolution process (Identify, Understand, Brainstorm, Agree) to create a peaceful solution.

Scenario 1: Last Seat on the Bus
Two classmates arrive at the bus stop and realize there’s only one seat left. Both want that seat and start arguing when they get on the bus.







Scenario 2: The Missing Pencil
You and a classmate both need the same pencil during a test. You notice your classmate took it without asking and now you don’t have a writing tool.







Scenario 3: Group Project Role Clash
In a group of three, two students both want to be the main editor of the project report. The third student feels left out and doesn’t know whose side to take.







Scenario 4: Lunch Line Cut-In
A friend cuts into the front of the lunch line ahead of you. When you ask them to go to the back, they roll their eyes and insist they were just quickly grabbing food.







Scenario 5: Rumor on Social Media
You see a classmate posting a rumor about you in a group chat. You’re upset and want to confront them, but you’re not sure how to start.







Scenario 6: Recess Soccer Dispute
During recess, one student keeps hogging the soccer ball and won’t pass to anyone else. The rest of the group is frustrated and play is stalling.







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lenny

Activity

Conflict Resolution Steps Poster

Use this four-step process to guide you through resolving disagreements calmly and respectfully.

1. Identify

• Clearly state the problem using “I” statements.
• Describe what happened without blaming (e.g., “I feel upset because…”).

2. Understand

• Listen to the other person’s perspective without interrupting.
• Ask questions to clarify (e.g., “Can you help me understand why…?”).

3. Brainstorm

• Work together to suggest as many solutions as you can.
• Encourage creative ideas—no idea is a bad idea at this stage.

4. Agree

• Choose the solution that works best for everyone.
• Commit to the plan and decide how you will follow up.

Keep these tips in mind:

  • Speak calmly and respectfully.
  • Maintain open body language (face the person, make eye contact).
  • Be willing to compromise and revisit the plan if needed.
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Worksheet

Reflection Worksheet

Name: ____________________________ Date: ____________________

  1. Which step of the conflict resolution process (Identify, Understand, Brainstorm, Agree) was the hardest for you, and why?






  1. How might you use this conflict resolution process in your own life (for example, at school, at home, or with friends)? Describe a specific situation and explain how you would apply each step.











  1. Optional Challenge: Think of a recent disagreement you had. Briefly describe it below, then list one idea for each of the four steps to resolve it.
  • Situation Description:






  • Identify:






  • Understand:






  • Brainstorm:






  • Agree:






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Warm Up

Conflict Warm-Up

Time: 5 minutes

Instructions:

  1. Reflect quietly: What comes to mind when you hear the word “conflict”? Write your definition below.



  1. Recall a disagreement you’ve experienced recently. How did you respond? Briefly describe your actions.



  1. In your opinion, what makes a successful resolution? List two qualities.



Share: Turn to a partner for 2 minutes and compare your responses. Be ready to share one new insight you heard from your partner.

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Cool Down

Conflict Resolution Exit Ticket

Thank you for participating today. Please answer the following to wrap up our lesson.

  1. What is one new strategy or step you learned today for resolving conflicts peacefully?



  1. Which step of the four-step process (Identify, Understand, Brainstorm, Agree) do you feel most confident using, and why?



  1. Think of a situation outside of school (at home, with friends, etc.) where you could use this process. Briefly describe the situation and how you would apply each step.






  1. On a scale of 1–5, how confident do you feel about using these skills in the future? (1 = Not confident, 5 = Very confident)

Your rating: _____




Thank you for your feedback! Your responses will help us continue to improve our conflict resolution lessons.

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