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Navigating Peer Conflict

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Lesson Plan

Navigating Peer Conflict

Students will identify personal conflict triggers, learn effective communication strategies, and practice emotional regulation techniques to constructively resolve peer conflicts.

Understanding and managing peer conflict is essential for developing healthy relationships and fostering a positive social environment. This lesson equips students with practical skills to navigate challenging interpersonal situations, reducing stress and improving their overall well-being.

Audience

10th Grade

Time

15 minutes

Approach

Personalized strategy development

Materials

Navigating Peer Conflict Slide Deck, and Personal Conflict Resolution Worksheet

Prep

Teacher Preparation

5 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Hook

2 minutes

  • Teacher: Begin by asking the student: 'Have you ever found yourself in a disagreement with a friend or classmate that felt difficult to resolve? Today, we're going to explore some ways to make those situations a little easier.'

Step 2

Understanding Conflict Triggers

5 minutes

  • Teacher: Present the Navigating Peer Conflict Slide Deck (Slides 1-2).
    * Engage the student in a discussion about common conflict triggers.
    * Teacher: 'What kinds of things tend to lead to disagreements for you personally? We all have different 'hot buttons.' Recognizing yours is the first step.'
    * Guide the student to identify specific scenarios or feelings that often precede conflict for them. Use the Personal Conflict Resolution Worksheet for structured reflection.

Step 3

Strategies for Resolution

5 minutes

  • Teacher: Transition to the strategies using the Navigating Peer Conflict Slide Deck (Slides 3-4).
    * Focus on active listening, 'I' statements, and taking a brief pause when emotions run high.
    * Teacher: 'When conflicts arise, how we communicate can make all the difference. Let's practice using 'I' statements and think about how taking a moment before responding can change an outcome.'
    * Work through a hypothetical scenario or one the student suggests, applying these strategies using the Personal Conflict Resolution Worksheet.

Step 4

Personalized Action Plan & Wrap-up

3 minutes

  • Teacher: Guide the student to complete their personalized action plan on the Personal Conflict Resolution Worksheet.
    * Teacher: 'What's one new strategy you can try the next time a peer conflict comes up? Having a plan makes it easier to act differently.'
    * Conclude with positive reinforcement and offer continued support.
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Slide Deck

Navigating Peer Conflict: Your Guide

Conflict happens. How do you respond?

Welcome the student and set a supportive tone. Explain that this session is about equipping them with tools for everyday challenges with friends. Introduce the idea that conflict is normal but how we handle it matters. Refer to the first instruction step in the lesson plan: Introduction & Hook

What's Your Trigger?

Think about past conflicts:

  • What situations set you off?
  • What emotions come up first?
  • Recognizing triggers helps you prepare.

This slide should prompt discussion. Ask the student to think about times they've felt angry or upset in a disagreement. What happened right before that feeling? Encourage self-reflection without judgment. Use this to guide the 'Understanding Conflict Triggers' section of the lesson plan: Understanding Conflict Triggers

Your Conflict Toolkit

  1. Listen Actively: Truly hear the other person.
  2. Use 'I' Statements: "I feel X when Y happens" instead of "You always Z."
  3. Take a Pause: Step away if emotions run high.

Introduce practical strategies. Emphasize that these are skills that improve with practice. Discuss active listening by asking the student if they feel heard during disagreements. Introduce 'I' statements as a way to express feelings without blaming. Explain the 'pause' as a self-regulation technique. This aligns with the 'Strategies for Resolution' section of the lesson plan: Strategies for Resolution

Practice Makes Progress!

You have the power to change how you respond.

  • Choose one strategy to try this week.
  • Reflect on what works and what's challenging.
  • Remember, small steps lead to big changes!

Reinforce the idea that the student can practice these skills. Encourage them to choose one strategy to focus on first. Remind them that change takes time and effort. Connect this to the 'Personalized Action Plan & Wrap-up' section in the lesson plan: Personalized Action Plan & Wrap-up

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Worksheet

Personal Conflict Resolution Worksheet

Part 1: Understanding Your Triggers

Think about a recent time you had a disagreement or conflict with a peer. What happened?





What were your personal "hot buttons" or feelings that led to the conflict escalating?





Part 2: Practicing New Strategies

Consider one of the strategies we discussed (Active Listening, "I" Statements, Taking a Pause).

Scenario Practice: Imagine a common conflict scenario for you (e.g., a friend borrowing something without asking, group project disagreement). Write down how you would use one of the strategies to respond constructively.

Strategy: __________________________________________

Your response using this strategy:





Part 3: My Personalized Action Plan

What is ONE specific strategy you will try to use the next time you find yourself in a peer conflict?





How will you remember to use this strategy?





What might be challenging about using this strategy, and how can you prepare for that challenge?





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Navigating Peer Conflict • Lenny Learning