Cool Heads, Calm Class

Zoie Shupe

Tier 1

Lesson Plan

Cool Heads, Calm Class

Students will be able to identify common triggers for conflict, apply de-escalation strategies, and recognize the importance of seeking help to prevent violence in their school and community.

Learning violence prevention strategies is vital for middle schoolers to navigate social challenges, build healthy relationships, and create a safe environment for themselves and their peers. It empowers them to respond constructively to conflict.

Audience

7th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, scenario-based role-playing, and reflection.

Materials

Warm-Up: Conflict Check-In, - Slide Deck: Cool Heads, Calm Class, - Activity: De-Escalation Scenarios, - Cool-Down: My Peace Pledge, - Whiteboard or projector, and - Markers or pens

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Review the Cool Heads, Calm Class Lesson Plan and all generated materials, including the Slide Deck: Cool Heads, Calm Class, Warm-Up: Conflict Check-In, Activity: De-Escalation Scenarios, and Cool-Down: My Peace Pledge.
- Ensure projector or whiteboard is set up for the slide deck.
- Print or prepare to display the activity scenarios.
- Familiarize yourself with the de-escalation techniques discussed in the lesson.

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-Up (5 minutes)

5 minutes

Begin with the Warm-Up: Conflict Check-In activity.
- Ask students to share their responses briefly.
- Introduce the lesson's topic: violence prevention and constructive conflict resolution. (Refer to Slide Deck: Cool Heads, Calm Class - Slide 1-2)

Step 2

Understanding Conflict & De-escalation (10 minutes)

10 minutes

Use the Slide Deck: Cool Heads, Calm Class (Slides 3-6) to discuss common conflict triggers and introduce de-escalation techniques.
- Facilitate a brief class discussion on why these techniques are effective.
- Ask: "Why is it important to stay calm when someone else is upset?"

Step 3

De-Escalation Scenarios Activity (10 minutes)

10 minutes

Divide students into small groups (2-3 students per group).
- Distribute or display the Activity: De-Escalation Scenarios.
- Instruct groups to read their assigned scenario and discuss how they would use de-escalation techniques.
- Have a few groups share their strategies with the class.

Step 4

Cool-Down & Wrap-Up (5 minutes)

5 minutes

Distribute the Cool-Down: My Peace Pledge.
- Ask students to complete the pledge, reflecting on what they've learned.
- Conclude by emphasizing the power of choice and the importance of creating a positive school community. (Refer to Slide Deck: Cool Heads, Calm Class - Slide 7)

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Slide Deck

Cool Heads, Calm Class: Preventing Violence

How do you keep your cool when things get heated?

Welcome students and introduce the topic of navigating conflict. Ask a rhetorical question to get them thinking about how they react to tense situations.

Our Goal Today

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

Identify common triggers for conflict.
Apply de-escalation strategies.
Recognize the importance of seeking help to prevent violence.

Clearly state the learning objectives for the lesson.

What Lights the Fuse?

Common Conflict Triggers:

Misunderstandings
Accusations
Insults or taunts
Feeling disrespected
Peer pressure
Unfairness

Initiate a discussion about what makes conflicts escalate. Ask students for examples of triggers they've seen or experienced (without naming specific individuals).

De-Escalation Strategy 1: Stay Calm

Your body language and tone of voice can either calm a situation or make it worse.

Take a deep breath.
Speak in a calm, clear voice.
Maintain open body language. (No crossed arms or aggressive stances)

Introduce the first key de-escalation technique. Emphasize that controlling your own reaction is the first step.

De-Escalation Strategy 2: Listen & Understand

Sometimes people just want to be heard.

Listen carefully to what the other person is saying.
Try to understand their feelings (even if you don't agree).
Use "I" statements instead of "You" statements. (e.g., "I feel frustrated when..." instead of "You always make me frustrated...")

Introduce the second key de-escalation technique. Focus on active listening and validating feelings, even if you don't agree with the other person's perspective.

De-Escalation Strategy 3: Know When to Walk Away or Get Help

Not every conflict needs to be resolved by you.

Suggest a break if emotions are too high.
Walk away if you feel unsafe or the situation is escalating.
Tell a trusted adult (teacher, parent, counselor) if you or someone else is in danger.

Introduce the third key de-escalation technique. Discuss when it's appropriate to walk away or seek adult help.

You Have the Power!

By choosing to keep a cool head and using de-escalation strategies, you contribute to a safer and calmer school for everyone. Be a peace-builder!

Conclude by reiterating the main message and connecting it to their personal power to make a difference.

Warm Up

Conflict Check-In

Instructions: Think about a time you witnessed or were involved in a disagreement. How did it make you feel? What happened? Reflect on the questions below.

Describe a recent minor disagreement you observed or experienced. What was it about?
How did people react in that situation? Were emotions calm, or did they get heated?
What was one thing that made the situation better or worse?

Activity

De-Escalation Scenarios

Instructions: In your small groups, read the scenario assigned to you. Discuss how you would use the de-escalation strategies we just learned (Stay Calm, Listen & Understand, Know When to Walk Away or Get Help) to handle the situation constructively. Be prepared to share your strategies with the class.

Scenario 1: The Accidental Bump

You are walking through the crowded hallway between classes. Suddenly, someone bumps into you, causing your books to fall. They immediately get defensive, saying, "Watch where you're going! It's your fault!"

How do you react to their immediate defensiveness?
What de-escalation techniques can you use to prevent the situation from escalating?
What would you say or do?

Scenario 2: The Group Project Drama

You are working on a group project, and one of your teammates isn't pulling their weight. Another group member gets very angry and starts yelling at the uncooperative teammate, saying they're going to fail the project because of them.

How can you help de-escalate the angry group member?
What would you say to encourage a calmer discussion about the problem?
When might it be time to involve a teacher?

Scenario 3: The Rumor Mill

You overhear some students spreading a false rumor about a friend. Your friend finds out and is very upset, wanting to confront the rumor-spreaders angrily after school.

How can you help your friend calm down?
What advice would you give your friend about confronting the students?
What steps could you and your friend take to address the rumor peacefully, or get help from an adult?

Cool Down

My Peace Pledge

Instructions: Reflect on what you've learned today about preventing violence and resolving conflicts. Complete the pledge below to commit to being a peace-builder in your school and community.

I, ___________________________, pledge to:

Identify one conflict trigger that I will try to be more aware of in myself or others:
Practice one de-escalation strategy from today's lesson (e.g., taking a deep breath, listening actively, using "I" statements) when faced with a disagreement. That strategy is:
Commit to seeking help from a trusted adult (like a teacher, parent, or counselor) if I feel a situation is becoming unsafe or overwhelming for myself or others.

I understand that my choices can help create a safer and more respectful environment for everyone.