Pros and Cons Worksheet

In this worksheet, you will look at different playground scenarios and think about the different outcomes of possible solutions. For each scenario, list some pros (good things) and cons (bad things) for the solution that is suggested. Remember to think about how the solution might affect everyone involved.

Scenario 1: Sharing Playground Equipment

Imagine that not everyone is able to use the swing at the same time, and one group has been swinging, while another group is waiting.

Suggested Solution: Have the group taking turns.

Pros (What could be good about this solution?):

Cons (What might be not so good about this solution?):

Scenario 2: A Disagreement Over a Game

Two students disagree on the rules of a game during recess, and one is upset.

Suggested Solution: Ask a teacher to help mediate the dispute.

Pros (What could be good about this solution?):

Cons (What might be not so good about this solution?):

Scenario 3: A New Student May Not Be Included

A new student feels left out during group activities on the playground.

Suggested Solution: Invite the new student to join and ask other students to include them in the activity.

Pros (What could be good about this solution?):

Cons (What might be not so good about this solution?):

Remember, there may be more than one solution for each problem. Think about other ideas and write them down if you have time.

Reflection

What did you learn from thinking about these scenarios? How can understanding pros and cons help you solve conflicts on the playground?

Interactive Discussion Prompts for Playground Conflicts

These prompts are designed to help you think critically about playground conflicts. They will guide our class through discussing different perspectives and exploring the outcomes of various solutions. Everyone's thoughts matter, and we want to hear from each of you, including those who prefer using visual cues or clear language.

Guidelines for the Discussion

• Listen respectfully to what others are saying.
  
  
  
• Use visual prompts (like pictures provided or drawn) to share your thoughts if you feel more comfortable.
  
  
  
• Try to see the situation from different people's points of view.
  
  
  
• If you need a moment or quiet space to think, that is completely okay.
  
  
  

Discussion Prompts

Prompt 1: What Happens When We Choose a Solution Without Thinking it Through?

• Can you imagine a time on the playground when you saw a problem that wasn’t fully thought out?
• What might have happened if you or someone else had taken a moment to consider both the pros and cons?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Prompt 2: Seeing the Situation Through Different Eyes

• Think about a conflict you saw on the playground. How might one person see the situation differently than another?
• What could each person involved learn from the other perspective?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Prompt 3: Role Play Thoughts

• Imagine you are in a group decision where someone isn't being heard. What would you say to make sure everyone’s opinion is included?
• How might the outcome change if different voices are listened to?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Prompt 4: Weighing Pros and Cons

• Look at one of the scenarios from our worksheet. Why do you think it is important to list the positives (pros) and negatives (cons) for a solution?
• Can you think of an example where considering both sides helped solve a challenge or avoid a problem on the playground?
  
  
  
  
  
  

Follow-Up Points

• After sharing your thoughts, discuss with a partner or small group what new ideas you heard from your classmates.
  
  
  
• Use these follow-up questions: What did you learn from a different perspective? How might you change your approach to conflict next time?
  
  
  
• If you’re more comfortable, draw your idea or create a comic-strip that shows a conflict with its pros and cons and discuss it with a partner.
  
  
  

Remember, the goal is to think about conflicts creatively and understand that considering different outcomes helps us make better decisions. Your opinions matter and can help everyone learn how to be a true peacemaker on the playground!

Role Play Activity Cards

These activity cards each describe a different playground scenario where a conflict might occur. In pairs or small groups, students will select a card, read the scenario together, and then role-play the situation. The goal is to practice evaluating different solutions, understanding various perspectives, and discussing the pros and cons of each potential outcome.

Instructions

1. Form Small Groups: Arrange into pairs or groups of 3-4. Make sure everyone is comfortable with their role. If needed, use visual cue cards to help with understanding your character's perspective.

2. Select a Card: Each group chooses one Role Play Activity Card. Read the scenario out loud together.

3. Assign Roles: Decide who will play each character in the scenario. Discuss briefly what each person might be thinking or feeling in that situation.

4. Role Play the Scenario: Act out the scenario as if it were happening on the playground. Try to express the viewpoints of each character clearly.

5. Discussion: After the role play, pause and discuss the following questions as a group:

   • What were the key points of conflict?
     
     
     
   • How did each person perceive the situation differently?
     
     
     
   • What were some solutions suggested? What were the pros and cons of each?
   • How might the situation change if everyone’s viewpoint was considered?
     
     
     
     
     
     
     

6. Share with the Class: One group can volunteer to share their role-play and what they learned with the class.

Tips for a Successful Activity

• Make it Inclusive: Ensure that all voices are heard. If someone needs extra support (like our student with autism), offer them visual cues or a role with clear, structured instructions.

• Be Respectful: Listen carefully to your peers and give everyone a chance to speak. The activity is about understanding different perspectives and working together towards a solution.

• Be Creative: Feel free to explore multiple solutions. There is no single 'right' answer!

Enjoy being playground peacemakers as you role-play and learn to solve conflicts like pros!

Note: Ask your teacher for a visual cue card if needed to help with understanding or expressing your ideas.

Conflict Resolution Game - Decision Dice

Welcome to the Decision Dice game! In this activity, you will roll dice to determine different possible outcomes for a playground conflict scenario. This game is a fun and interactive way to learn how to think about the consequences of different decisions.

How to Play

1. Form a Small Group: Organize into groups of 3-4 students. Each group will take turns rolling the dice.

2. Roll the Dice: One student rolls the dice. Each number rolled (from 1 to 6) represents a different outcome for the playground conflict scenario.

3. Discuss the Outcome: Based on the number, discuss as a group what might happen next. Ask questions like:

   • What are the pros of this outcome?
   • What are the cons of this outcome?
   • How might each person involved feel?
   • Could there be a better solution?

4. Share Ideas: After discussing, each group shares their outcome and ideas with the class. Use these opportunities to explain how weighing different outcomes can help us make better decisions when conflicts arise.

5. Repeat: Continue playing until each student has had a chance to roll the dice and contribute to the discussion.

Tips for Success

• Think Creatively: There are no wrong answers in this game. Use your imagination to explore different possibilities!

• Listen to Each Other: Everyone’s opinion matters, and every outcome is a chance to learn something new.

• Be Inclusive: Remember to use visual cues or ask for help if you need extra support, just like our friend who benefits from clear, visual instructions.

Have fun and discover how thoughtful decision-making can help solve conflicts on the playground!