Conflict Resolution Activity Guide

Overview

This activity is designed to help students practice conflict resolution skills through engaging role-play. Students will work in small groups to act out different conflict scenarios. The activity includes clear roles, scenario cards, and guided discussion prompts to encourage empathy, effective communication, and collaboration.

Materials Needed

• Scenario Cards that describe common conflicts among peers
• Conflict Resolution Script
• Flip chart or whiteboard for notes
• Markers

Activity Instructions

1. Introduction (2 minutes)

• Explain to the students that they will be practicing role-plays based on real-life situations where people sometimes have conflicts.
• Remind them that the goal is to understand different perspectives and work together to find a peaceful solution.

2. Group Division (3 minutes)

• Divide the class into small groups of 3-4 students.
• Make sure each group has a mix of students to encourage diverse perspectives and collaboration.

3. Role-Playing the Scenarios (15 minutes)

• Provide each group with a scenario card which outlines a common conflict.
• Instruct the groups to read the scenario together and assign roles (e.g., the person with the conflict, the mediator, etc.).
• Using the Conflict Resolution Script as a guide, groups will role-play the scenario.
• Encourage students to switch roles for different scenarios if time allows, so everyone has a chance to speak, listen, and mediate.

4. Guided Discussion (5 minutes)

• After each role-play, bring the groups back together for a discussion.
• Ask the following prompts:
  • What was the conflict about?
  • How did each person feel during the scenario?
  • What strategies helped resolve the conflict?
  • What could have been done differently for an even better outcome?
• Encourage students to share their thoughts and discuss how they could apply these strategies in real-life situations.

5. Reflection and Wrap-Up (5 minutes)

• Have students individually write or share one new strategy they learned and plan to use when faced with a conflict in the future.
  
  
  
• Summarize the key steps of conflict resolution: understanding the problem, expressing feelings, listening to others, brainstorming solutions, and agreeing on a plan of action.
  
  
  
• Reinforce the importance of empathy, active listening, and clear communication.

Tips for Teachers

• Monitor group interactions and provide support or clarification as needed.
  
  
  
• Use positive reinforcement to encourage respectful dialogue.
  
  
  
• If useful, take notes on common themes that arise during discussions to review later with the class.

This guide, along with the role-playing activity and prompts, is designed to build vital conflict resolution skills in a fun, engaging, and safe environment. Enjoy the activity and the learning journey it creates!

Solve the Conflict Game Instructions

Overview

In this game, students will be divided into small groups and compete to identify key conflict resolution steps in various scenarios. This interactive activity reinforces the skills learned during the lesson while encouraging teamwork, active listening, and creative problem-solving.

Game Setup

• Divide the class into small groups of 3-4 students.
  
  
  
• Each group will receive a set of scenario cards that describe common conflicts. These scenarios are similar to those used in the role-playing activity.
  
  
  
  
• Prepare a scoring board visible to all groups (this can be a whiteboard or chart paper).

Instructions

1. Explanation (2 minutes)

• Explain to the students that they will be playing a competitive game where each group earns points for correctly identifying the conflict resolution steps used in a given scenario.
  
  
  
• Review the basic conflict resolution steps: understanding the problem, expressing feelings, listening to others, brainstorming solutions, and agreeing on a plan of action.

2. Gameplay (6 minutes)

• Present a conflict scenario to the class (either read aloud or display on a screen/board).
  
  
  
• Each group discusses and writes down the conflict resolution steps they identify in that scenario on a piece of paper. They should list the steps in the order in which they would occur during a peaceful resolution.
  
  
  
• Once all groups are ready, ask one representative from each group to share their answer with the class.
  
  
  
• As a class, discuss the correct steps and offer praise for unique or insightful answers.
  
  
  
• Award points to groups for correct and thoughtful responses. Optionally, provide bonus points for creative alternatives that still align with effective conflict resolution.

3. Repeat Rounds (2 minutes)

• Repeat the gameplay process with a second scenario to reinforce learning and give students another chance to earn points.

4. Conclusion (2 minutes)

• Tally each group’s final score.
  
  
  
• Celebrate the efforts of all groups, emphasizing that the focus is on learning and teamwork rather than just winning.
  
  
  
• Have a brief group discussion about what they learned from the game and how they can apply these conflict resolution steps in real life.

Game Rules

• All responses must be based on the conflict scenarios provided.
  
  
  
• Each group must work together and ensure that every member contributes.
  
  
  
• Respectful dialogue is essential—interruptions or disruptive behavior will result in point deductions.

Teacher Tips

• Monitor group discussions closely to ensure all students are participating and understanding the process.
  
  
  
• Use a timer to keep each round brief and focused.
  
  
  
• Provide gentle guidance if groups struggle, asking probing questions to help them think about each step.
  
  
  

Enjoy the game and celebrate every group's effort to become better conflict solvers!

Conflict Resolution Script

Introduction

“Hello everyone! Today, we’re going to become Peaceful Problem Solvers! Can anyone tell me what a conflict is? (Pause for responses.)

Great! A conflict is when two or more people disagree or have a problem with each other. But it’s important to solve conflicts in a peaceful way so everyone feels heard and respected.

Now, I’m going to share a simple plan that can help us solve conflicts. First, we need to understand the problem. Then, we can share how we feel, listen to one another, brainstorm solutions, and agree on a plan. Let's try using these steps as we practice today.

Role-Play Preparation

“Now, I want you to work in your small groups. Each group will receive a scenario card that describes a common conflict. In your groups, you will decide who will act out each part. You might have a person who has the problem, someone to help mediate, and others who play different roles. Remember to use our steps: understand the problem, share feelings, listen carefully, suggest ideas, and decide together on a solution.”

During the Role-Play

“As you act out your scenario, here’s what you should say:

1. Speak Up: The person with the conflict should start by explaining what happened using respectful language. For example, say, ‘I felt upset when…’

2. Listen Carefully: The other students should listen without interrupting. If you’re listening, show that you care by nodding and making eye contact.

3. Empathize: Try saying something like, ‘I understand how you feel’ so that everyone feels validated.

4. Brainstorm Together: Now, work together to come up with ideas for solving the problem. Ask, ‘What can we do to fix this?’

5. Agree on a Plan: Finally, agree on one plan that everyone thinks is fair. For example, ‘Let’s agree to take turns or to share our space better.’

I will be walking around to listen and help if needed. Try to use kind words and really listen to each other’s ideas.

Guided Questions Post Role-Play

“After your role-play, let’s come back together. I want each group to share:

• What was the conflict about?
• How did each person feel during the scenario?
• What strategies did you use to solve the conflict?
• Is there something you could do differently next time?

Take a moment to think about these questions before you share. We are all here to learn from each other!

Closing the Lesson

“To wrap up our lesson today, let’s all join in a closing circle. I’d like everyone to share one new idea or strategy you learned today that you can use whenever there is a conflict. It might be something like, ‘I learned it’s important to really listen when someone is speaking,’ or ‘I learned to say how I feel clearly.’

Remember, every time we practice these skills, we become better at solving conflicts peacefully. Thank you for being great problem solvers today!“

End of Script