Lesson Plan
Peaceful Problem Solvers Lesson Plan
Students will learn and apply three conflict-resolution strategies—I-statements, active listening, and collaborative solution brainstorming—to resolve peer disagreements positively.
Equipping 3rd graders with social-emotional tools builds empathy, reduces classroom conflicts, and strengthens peer relationships for a supportive learning environment.
Audience
3rd Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Model, practice, and reflect through interactive group activities
Materials
- Conflict Resolution Role-Play Cards, - I-Statement Practice Worksheet, - Active Listening Poster, - Solution Brainstorming Worksheet, and - Chart Paper and Markers
Prep
Materials and Room Setup
10 minutes
- Print copies of the Conflict Resolution Role-Play Cards, I-Statement Practice Worksheet, and Solution Brainstorming Worksheet for each student.
- Display the Active Listening Poster on chart paper or whiteboard.
- Arrange seating in a circle to facilitate group discussion and role-play.
- Review each material to ensure familiarity with content and instructions.
Step 1
Introduction and Hook
5 minutes
- Gather students in a circle and ask: “What happens when friends disagree?”
- Explain today’s goal: learning peaceful strategies to solve problems together.
Step 2
Teaching I-Statements
7 minutes
- Define I-statements: “I feel ___ when ___ because ___.”
- Model two examples on chart paper.
- Have students complete one I-statement on the I-Statement Practice Worksheet.
Step 3
Active Listening Activity
7 minutes
- Introduce key listening skills on the Active Listening Poster: eye contact, nodding, asking questions.
- Demonstrate with a volunteer.
- In pairs, Student A shares a recent upset; Student B listens and then paraphrases back.
Step 4
Brainstorming Solutions
7 minutes
- Present a brief conflict scenario (e.g., two friends want the same book).
- On the Solution Brainstorming Worksheet, groups list as many peaceful solutions as they can.
- Groups share top ideas; record them on chart paper.
Step 5
Role-Play Practice
3 minutes
- Distribute Conflict Resolution Role-Play Cards to pairs.
- Students role-play using I-statements, active listening, and brainstorming solutions.
- If time allows, switch roles.
Step 6
Reflection and Wrap-Up
1 minute
- Ask each student to share one new strategy they will try.
- Reinforce that these tools help everyone feel heard and respected.
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Slide Deck
Peaceful Problem Solvers
Conflict Resolution Strategies for 3rd Graders
Welcome everyone! Today we’re going to learn peaceful ways to solve disagreements with our friends. Let’s dive in!
Today’s Objectives
• Learn three conflict-resolution strategies
• Practice I-statements, active listening, and brainstorming solutions
• Become confident in solving disagreements peacefully
Review the three goals for today so students know what to expect.
What Is Conflict Resolution?
Working together to solve disagreements so everyone feels heard and respected.
Define conflict resolution in kid-friendly terms and invite examples.
I-Statements
I feel ___ when ___ because ___
• Helps you share feelings without blaming others
Explain the I-statement structure and why it’s helpful.
Try an I-Statement!
Use the I-Statement Practice Worksheet to write:
I feel ___ when ___ because ___.
Model one example, then ask students to complete theirs.
Active Listening
Refer to the Active Listening Poster for:
• Eye contact
• Nodding
• Asking questions
Point to the Active Listening Poster and walk through each skill.
Practice Active Listening
In pairs:
- Student A shares a recent upset
- Student B listens without interrupting
- B paraphrases: “You’re saying ___.”
- Switch roles
Have students pair up and follow the steps.
Brainstorm Solutions
Use the Solution Brainstorming Worksheet
List as many peaceful solutions as you can.
Present a simple scenario (e.g., two kids want the same toy) and guide brainstorming.
Role-Play Practice
Use the Conflict Resolution Role-Play Cards
Practice I-statements, active listening, and brainstorming solutions.
Hand out role-play cards and circulate to support.
Reflection & Wrap-Up
Share one new strategy you’ll use to solve disagreements peacefully.
Remember: peaceful problem-solving helps everyone feel respected.
Invite students to share one strategy they’ll try next time a conflict arises.
Worksheet
I-Statement Practice Worksheet
Instructions: An I-statement helps you share feelings without blaming others. Remember the structure:
I feel ___ when ___ because ___.
Below are some situations. For each one, write a complete I-statement using the structure above.
- Your friend takes your pencil without asking.
- A classmate says something unkind about your drawing.
- You weren’t picked first for a classroom game.
- Think of your own situation when you felt upset. Describe it and write an I-statement.
Situation: _________________________________
I-statement:
Great work! We’ll use these statements to practice sharing our feelings respectfully in class. Feel free to refer back to this sheet when you need to express yourself.
Reading
Active Listening Poster
Active listening helps us understand others and show we care. Use these key skills when someone is speaking:
1. Make Eye Contact
Look at the speaker to show you’re paying attention.
2. Face the Speaker
Turn your body toward them to show you’re engaged.
3. Nod Your Head
Use nods to let them know you’re following what they say.
4. Ask Questions
Say things like, “Can you tell me more?” to show interest.
5. Paraphrase
Repeat back what you heard: “So you’re saying ___.” This shows you understand.
6. Wait to Speak
Let the person finish before you respond—don’t interrupt.
7. Use a Calm Voice
Speak kindly and clearly when it’s your turn.
Remember: Active listening takes practice. Let’s help our friends feel heard and respected every day!
Worksheet
Solution Brainstorming Worksheet
Instructions: Read the scenario below. In your group, think of as many peaceful solutions as you can. Write each solution on the lines provided. After brainstorming, choose your favorite solution and explain why you picked it.
Scenario: Two friends both want to read the same book during free-time reading.
- Solution #1:
- Solution #2:
- Solution #3:
- Solution #4:
- Solution #5:
- Solution #6 (if you have more ideas):
Our Group’s Favorite Solution and Why:
Think of a Different Conflict You’ve Had:
Describe your situation:
List at least three peaceful solutions you could try:
• Solution A: ___________________________________________________
• Solution B: ___________________________________________________
• Solution C: ___________________________________________________
Which solution will you try first next time? Why?
Activity
Conflict Resolution Role-Play Cards
Cut out these cards and give one to each pair. Read the scenario together and decide who will be Student A and who will be Student B. Use your I-statements, active listening skills, and brainstorming strategies to resolve the conflict peacefully.
— — —
Card 1: The Crayon Clash
Scenario: It’s art time. You and your friend both reach for the only red crayon in the box.
Student A: You grabbed the red crayon first.
Student B: You really need the red crayon for your picture.
— — —
Card 2: The Jump-Rope Jam
Scenario: It’s recess, and you and your classmate want to use the jump rope at the same time.
Student A: You’ve been waiting longer to jump.
Student B: You have a new game idea for the jump rope.
— — —
Card 3: The Borrowed Pencil
Scenario: Your friend takes your favorite pencil without asking and starts using it.
Student A: You notice someone borrowing your pencil.
Student B: You really needed a pencil to finish your work.
— — —
Card 4: The Game Team-Up
Scenario: You and a classmate can’t agree on teams for a classroom game—each of you wants to be the team captain.
Student A: You want to be captain.
Student B: You also want to be captain.
— — —
Card 5: The Secret Club
Scenario: You found out your friend started a special club at recess and didn’t invite you.
Student A: You feel left out.
Student B: You thought it was just a small group at first.
— — —
Card 6: The Loud Whispers
Scenario: A classmate keeps whispering a secret about you to others, and you overhear.
Student A: You heard something unkind.
Student B: You weren’t sure if the secret was mean or just a surprise.
— — —
How to Role-Play:
- Student A starts by using an I-statement to share how they feel (e.g., “I feel upset when ___ because ___”).
- Student B practices active listening: make eye contact, nod, paraphrase Student A’s words.
- Together, brainstorm at least two solutions (e.g., taking turns, asking first, inviting each other).
- Choose one solution and role-play agreeing to it.
- Switch roles or pick a new card if time allows.
Remember: Use a calm voice, respect each other’s ideas, and help everyone feel heard!