Hot Seat Scenarios Cards

Use these scenario cards for the 5-minute warm-up. Place them face down in a stack. Students draw one and volunteer quick resolutions using active listening and “I” statements.

1. Two friends both want to lead a group project and won’t share their ideas.

1. A classmate copied your homework without asking and got the same grade as you.

1. Someone ate the snack you brought for lunch.

1. Two players on the playground both want the same role in a game and refused to trade.

1. A rumor is spreading about you, and you don’t know who started it.

1. Your partner in a lab experiment didn’t prepare, and now you’re behind schedule.

1. During class discussion, one student always talks over you when you try to speak.

1. A group member arrives late every day and misses important instructions.

1. A peer refuses to share art supplies, so you can’t finish your project.

1. You feel left out because everyone chose teams before you could join.

Role-Play Resolution Circles Template

Divide into groups of 4–5. Each student takes one role per round:

Roles:

• Speaker: Shares their perspective on the conflict using “I” statements.
• Listener: Practices active listening—maintain eye contact, reflect back what you hear.
• Observer: Notes which strategies are used (active listening, I-statements, empathy).
• Mediator: Guides the group through the five steps to resolve the conflict.

Five Steps to Follow:

1. Empathize
   • Mediator asks Speaker to state feelings and Listener reflects back.
   • Example: “I hear you feel frustrated because…”
2. Define the Problem
   • Mediator helps Speaker and the other party clarify the issue in one sentence.
3. Brainstorm Solutions
   • All group members suggest possible solutions without judgment.
   • Record ideas on your template: ____________

1. Agree on a Plan
   • Choose one solution both parties can commit to.
   • Write the agreed plan here: ____________

1. Follow-Up
   • Decide how and when you’ll check back in on the solution (e.g., after class, tomorrow).
   • Note follow-up date/time: ____________

Rotation:

• After each round (10 minutes), rotate roles so everyone practices each part.

Observer Feedback Section:
• What did the Speaker do well?

• How did the Listener show understanding?

• Which step was most challenging and why?

• Suggestions for improvement:

Use this template to guide your discussion and ensure each role practices the key skills of active listening, “I” statements, empathy, and collaborative problem-solving.

Feedback and Reflection Forms

Name: ______________________ Date: ______________________ Group Members: ______________________

1. Which step of the conflict-resolution process felt most effective for you and why?

1. What was the most challenging part of your role (Speaker, Listener, Observer, or Mediator)? Describe why it was difficult and how you could improve.

1. Identify one communication skill (active listening, “I” statements, empathy) you used well. How did it help you and your partner?

1. Describe one thing you could do differently next time to resolve conflicts more smoothly.

1. How did you feel during the role-play? How might reflecting on these feelings help in real-life conflicts?

Additional Comments or Observations:

After completing your responses, discuss your answers with your partner and be prepared to share one key insight with the class.

Peace Pledge Poster

We, the students of 7th Grade, pledge to:

• Listen with empathy and open minds
• Speak with honesty and respect
• Understand others’ feelings before responding
• Collaborate to find peaceful solutions
• Choose connection over conflict

By signing below, we commit to these promises and to supporting each other in respectful conflict resolution.

Sign your name: ____________________________ Date: ____________