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Drama Detectives

Lesson Plan

Drama Detectives Lesson Plan

Students will act as ‘Drama Detectives’ to identify jealousy in peer scenarios, collaboratively brainstorm conflict-resolution strategies, and practice emotional regulation through role-play.

Fifth graders frequently face peer drama and jealousy; this lesson builds emotional awareness, empathy, and constructive conflict-resolution skills, creating a more supportive classroom community.

Audience

5th Grade Students

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive scenarios, group problem-solving, role-play, and reflection.

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction to Drama and Jealousy

3 minutes

  • Ask students “What is drama?” and record answers
  • Define drama and jealousy in student-friendly terms
  • Explain today’s mission: act as Drama Detectives to solve peer conflicts

Step 2

Emotion Check-In

5 minutes

  • Distribute the Emotions Wheel Handout
  • Guide students to locate and discuss the “Jealousy” emotion on the wheel
  • Invite 2–3 volunteers to share a time they felt jealous; model respectful listening

Step 3

Scenario Analysis

8 minutes

  • Divide class into small groups and give each group a set of Drama Scenarios Cards
  • Groups read scenarios, identify characters’ feelings, and brainstorm at least two solutions using the Conflict Resolution Chart
  • Rotate roles so every student contributes ideas

Step 4

Role-Play Resolution

8 minutes

  • Ask each group to choose one scenario to role-play their solution
  • Encourage use of “I feel…” statements and calm, respectful tone
  • Circulate to support groups with emotional regulation strategies (e.g., deep breaths)

Step 5

Reflection and Strategy Sharing

6 minutes

  • Reconvene whole class and invite groups to share their chosen solution and feelings
  • Record key emotional regulation strategies on the Conflict Resolution Chart
  • Reinforce that identifying emotions early helps resolve drama peacefully
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Slide Deck

Drama Detectives

Welcome to our lesson! We’ll uncover the mystery of drama and jealousy.

Today’s mission:

  • Identify feelings
  • Brainstorm solutions
  • Practice healthy conflict resolution

Welcome students! Introduce yourselves as Drama Detectives. Explain that today we’ll uncover the mystery of drama and jealousy and learn tools to solve conflicts.

What Is Drama and Jealousy?

  • Drama: Conflict or tension between people
  • Jealousy: Feeling upset when someone else has something you want

Why it matters:
Understanding these helps us solve problems calmly.

Ask “What is drama?” and record answers on the board. Then define drama and jealousy in student-friendly terms.

Emotion Check-In

Grab your Emotions Wheel Handout.

  1. Locate and circle “Jealousy.”
  2. Turn to a partner and share a time you felt this way.

Distribute the Emotions Wheel Handout. Allow students 2–3 minutes to locate and circle “Jealousy,” then pair-share. Invite 2–3 volunteers to share.

Scenario Analysis

Get into groups of 3–4 and take the Drama Scenarios Cards.

In your group:

  1. Read each scenario
  2. Identify how the characters feel
  3. Brainstorm at least 2 solutions using the Conflict Resolution Chart

Divide class into groups of 3–4 and hand out the Drama Scenarios Cards. Circulate and guide groups to use the Conflict Resolution Chart.

Example Scenario

Scenario:
“Lily’s friend got chosen for the lead in the school play. Lily feels left out and upset.”

Questions:

  • What emotions do you notice?
  • How might Lily and her friend feel?
  • What are 2 ways they can resolve this?

Use this example to model how to identify emotions and brainstorm solutions. Highlight referencing the chart.

Conflict Resolution Strategies

  • Use “I feel…” statements
  • Listen actively without interrupting
  • Look for compromises both can agree on
  • Take a break if emotions run high and practice deep breaths

Display or project the Conflict Resolution Chart. Walk through each strategy and give brief examples.

Role-Play Your Solution

Choose one scenario and role-play your solution:

  • Use “I feel…” statements
  • Show calm and respect

Remember to practice deep breathing if you feel upset.

Instruct each group to choose a scenario and role-play their solution. Encourage calm tone and practice of breathing if emotions rise.

Reflection and Sharing

As a class, share:

  • Which solution did your group choose?
  • How did it feel to use the strategy?
  • What did you learn about handling jealousy?

Reconvene the class. Call on groups to share their chosen solution and how it felt. Record strategies on the chart.

Great Job, Drama Detectives!

You’ve learned how to:

  • Identify feelings of jealousy
  • Brainstorm healthy solutions
  • Use conflict resolution strategies

Keep these tools handy next time drama arises!

Praise students for their detective work. Remind them these skills help build a supportive classroom community.

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Worksheet

Drama Scenarios Cards

Cut out each card and share with your group. Read the scenario, then answer the questions and brainstorm solutions using the Conflict Resolution Chart.

Scenario 1: The New Art Partner

Emma was excited to partner with her friend Ava on the art project. At the last minute, the teacher paired Emma with Chloe instead. Emma feels left out and upset that Ava didn’t get to work with her.

  1. Who feels upset or jealous in this scenario?


  2. What emotions might Emma be experiencing?





  3. Using the Conflict Resolution Chart, list two strategies Emma could try.





  4. Write an “I feel…” statement Emma could use to share her feelings.


  5. Sketch or describe a short role-play dialogue Emma and Chloe could use to solve the problem.










Scenario 2: The Birthday Invitation

Jamal was excited to invite Maya and her friend group to his birthday party. He overheard that Maya didn’t invite him to her sleepover last weekend, and now he’s wondering if she’s being fair.

  1. Who feels jealous or hurt in this scenario?


  2. What emotions might Jamal be feeling?





  3. Choose two strategies from the Conflict Resolution Chart that Jamal could use.





  4. Write an “I feel…” statement Jamal could use with Maya.


  5. Describe how Jamal and Maya could talk it out calmly.










Scenario 3: The Group Project Grades

Ava and Kai worked together on a science project but Ava did most of the work. When the project received an A, Kai’s friends praised him, and Ava felt jealous that Kai got all the attention.

  1. Who feels jealousy in this scenario?


  2. What emotions might Ava be experiencing?





  3. Pick two helpful steps from the Conflict Resolution Chart.





  4. Write an “I feel…” statement Ava could say to Kai.


  5. Outline a short role-play showing how Ava and Kai share credit and feelings.










Scenario 4: The Classroom Spotlight

The teacher asked for volunteers to present first, and Lily was chosen. Sasha, who usually goes first, felt overlooked and jealous when Lily got the spot.

  1. Who feels jealous in this scenario?


  2. What emotions might Sasha be feeling?





  3. Suggest two conflict-resolution strategies Sasha could use from the Conflict Resolution Chart.





  4. Write an “I feel…” statement Sasha could use with the teacher or Lily.


  5. Create a brief role-play where Sasha practices sharing her feelings calmly.










Scenario 5: The School Play Lead

Lily’s best friend, Maria, was chosen for the lead role in the school play. Lily tried out too and feels jealous and disappointed she didn’t get picked.

  1. Who feels upset or jealous?


  2. What emotions might Lily be experiencing?





  3. From the Conflict Resolution Chart, list two strategies Lily could use.





  4. Write an “I feel…” statement Lily could use with Maria.


  5. Describe how Lily and Maria could practice active listening in a role-play.










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Reading

Emotions Wheel Handout

Use this wheel to explore different feelings. Finding and naming emotions helps us understand ourselves and others.

The Wheel of Emotions

Joy | happy, excited, proud, playful
Surprise | amazed, shocked, curious
Fear | scared, worried, anxious
Anger | angry, frustrated, jealous
Sadness | sad, disappointed, lonely
Disgust | disgusted, grossed out, upset
Love | loved, caring, grateful

In the center of the wheel is Jealousy, a mix of anger and sadness when we want what someone else has.

How to Use Your Emotions Wheel

  1. Locate and circle the word jealous above.


  2. Underline or circle two more words on the wheel that you sometimes feel.


  3. In the space below, draw or write about where you feel jealousy in your body (e.g., tight chest, bubbling stomach).





  4. Think of a time you felt jealous. Briefly describe what happened.





Keep this handout nearby when you practice using “I feel…” statements and other strategies on the Conflict Resolution Chart. It will help you notice and name your emotions right away!

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Reading

Conflict Resolution Chart

Use this chart to guide you through solving peer conflicts calmly and respectfully. Keep it posted in the classroom and refer to it whenever drama or jealousy comes up.

StrategyWhat It MeansHow to Use
“I feel…” statementsExpress your feelings without blaming the other“I feel ______________ when ______________ because ______________.”
Active listeningFocus on the speaker, show you’re listeningNod, make eye contact, and say “So you’re upset because…”
Ask clarifying questionsFind out more before reacting“Can you help me understand why you felt left out?”
Seek compromiseLook for a solution both people can accept“What if we each choose one activity so we both get a turn?”
Take a break & breathePause when emotions are too strongStep aside, count to five, take deep breaths, then come back calm
Use respectful languageSpeak kindly, avoid name-calling or shoutingKeep your tone calm: “Please listen to my idea…”
Ask for helpInvolve a trusted adult when you’re stuck“Can you help us talk through this problem?”

Keep your Emotions Wheel Handout nearby to name your feelings right away. When you follow these steps, you’ll build understanding, reduce drama, and strengthen friendships!

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Cool Down

Drama Detectives Cool-Down

Take a moment to reflect on today’s mission. Complete each prompt before you leave:

  1. Something new I learned about drama or jealousy:


  2. A strategy from the Conflict Resolution Chart I will use when I feel upset:


  3. How I feel right now (choose one emotion from the Emotions Wheel Handout):


  4. One way I will act like a Drama Detective outside of class:


Thank you, Drama Detectives! Keep your tools handy and use them to solve conflicts peacefully.

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