Conflict Scenarios: Find Your Solution!

Instructions: In your small groups, read each scenario. Discuss how the conflict could escalate if not handled effectively. Then, brainstorm and role-play 2-3 proactive strategies for resolving the conflict using the skills we discussed (active listening, "I" statements, taking a breather, empathy, finding common ground, seeking mediation). Focus on how self-management plays a role in your chosen resolution.

Scenario 1: The Group Project Drama

You are working on a major group project for English class. One of your group members, Alex, hasn't been doing their share of the work. The deadline is approaching fast, and you're worried about your grade. You've tried to politely remind Alex, but they just shrug it off, saying, "Chill, it'll get done." Now, another group member is threatening to tell the teacher, which would cause a huge blow-up.

• How could this escalate?
• What self-management skills are needed here?
• What are 2-3 proactive solutions?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 2: The Hallway Collision

As you're rushing to your next class, someone bumps into you in the crowded hallway, causing your books to fall everywhere. You look up and see it's someone you've had minor disagreements with before. They don't apologize and just keep walking, muttering something under their breath. You feel your face getting hot and you want to yell at them.

• How could this escalate?
• What self-management skills are needed here?
• What are 2-3 proactive solutions?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Scenario 3: Social Media Mix-Up

You find out that a screenshot of a private conversation you had with a friend has been shared in a group chat, and people are making fun of something you said. You feel betrayed and embarrassed, and you know who shared it. You want to confront them immediately and demand they take it down, but you're also worried about making things worse.

• How could this escalate?
• What self-management skills are needed here?
• What are 2-3 proactive solutions?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Self-Reflection: My Path to Positive Solutions

Instructions: Think about today's lesson on conflict resolution and self-management. Answer the questions below honestly.

1. What is one new strategy for conflict resolution or self-management that you learned or understood better today?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Describe a specific situation (real or hypothetical) where you could use this strategy. How would you apply it?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. How do you think practicing this strategy can help you avoid conflicts that might lead to disciplinary actions, like suspension, and contribute to a more positive school experience?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. What is one personal goal you have for improving your self-management skills in challenging situations?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

Positive Choices, Successful Future Script

Warm-Up: 'Think-Pair-Share: What is Conflict?' (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon everyone. Today we're going to talk about something that's a natural part of life, but how we handle it can make a big difference in our lives and at school. When you hear the word 'conflict,' what comes to mind? How does conflict typically make you feel?"

"Take a moment to think about that question. Then, I want you to turn to a partner, and for the next 2-3 minutes, share your thoughts with each other. Be open and listen to what your partner has to say."

(Allow 2-3 minutes for pair-share. Circulate and listen to discussions.)

Teacher: "Alright, let's bring it back together. Can a few pairs share some of the ideas or feelings that came up in your discussions? What did you talk about?"

(Call on a few students. As they share, quickly jot down key words or feelings on the board/flip chart. Acknowledge and validate their responses.)

Teacher: "Excellent responses. You've hit on some really important points. Conflict, as many of you mentioned, is often about disagreements, arguments, or even just feeling uncomfortable. And it's true, it can make us feel frustrated, angry, or anxious. But here's the thing: conflict itself isn't always bad. It's how we respond to it that truly matters. Our goal today is to build skills that help us respond in ways that lead to positive outcomes, rather than negative ones."

"This connects directly to an important idea: ASCA Mindset 2: A belief in self-efficacy and the ability to succeed. When we learn to handle conflicts effectively, we are believing in our own ability to navigate challenges and succeed, not just in this classroom, but in life. We're building skills that empower us."

Mini-Lesson: Understanding Conflict and Resolution (using Positive Pathways Slide Deck) (15 minutes)

Teacher: "Let's dive a little deeper into understanding conflict and some powerful ways to resolve it. I'm going to put up some slides here to guide us."

(Advance to Slide 1: Positive Choices, Successful Future)

Teacher: "As you can see, our lesson today is called 'Positive Choices, Successful Future: Navigating Conflict, Building Success.' Our aim is to find solutions that keep us on a positive path."

(Advance to Slide 2: What is Conflict, Anyway?)

Teacher: "We've already talked about what conflict is. On this slide, you see a definition: 'A disagreement or argument.' We also have two main types: Internal Conflict, which is conflict within yourself, like when you have a tough decision to make, and Interpersonal Conflict, which is conflict with other people – friends, family, teachers, classmates. We'll be focusing mostly on interpersonal conflict today."

"Earlier, you shared some common conflicts. Keep those in mind as we move forward."

(Advance to Slide 3: The Impact of Unresolved Conflict)

Teacher: "Now, this slide is really important. What happens when conflicts aren't handled well? Look at the bullet points. They can lead to bigger arguments, hurt feelings, damaged friendships, and a lot of stress. And critically, they can result in disciplinary actions, like suspension."

"Think about it: every day you spend out of class due to a suspension is a day you're missing out on learning, on connecting with your friends, and on participating in school activities. Our goal is to equip you with strategies to stay in the learning, stay in school, and stay out of the principal's office."

(Advance to Slide 4: Strategies for Constructive Conflict Resolution)

Teacher: "So, what can we do? Here are six powerful strategies for constructive conflict resolution. These aren't just for school; they're life skills. Let's go through them briefly:

• Active Listening: This means truly hearing what the other person is saying, not just waiting for your turn to speak. It means paying attention to their words, their tone, even their body language.
• "I" Statements: Instead of saying, 'You always make me angry when you do X,' which sounds like blame, you'd say, 'I feel frustrated when X happens because it impacts Y.' It focuses on your feelings and the impact, not on attacking the other person.
• Taking a Breather: When things get heated, sometimes the best thing to do is step away, cool down, and then come back to the conversation. This prevents you from saying or doing something you might regret.
• Empathy: Trying to understand the situation from the other person's perspective. It doesn't mean you agree with them, but you try to see where they're coming from.
• Finding Common Ground: Looking for solutions or compromises that can work for everyone involved, so no one feels like they completely lost.
• Seeking Mediation: If you've tried everything and you can't resolve it, sometimes it helps to bring in a neutral third party – a trusted adult, a counselor, a teacher – to help facilitate the conversation."

(Advance to Slide 5: The Power of Self-Management)

Teacher: "Underneath all these strategies is one crucial skill: Self-Management. What does that mean? It's about taking control of your own behavior, thoughts, and emotions. Why is this so powerful in conflict? Because it means you're choosing how you respond, rather than just reacting impulsively."

"When you manage your emotions, you can stay calm instead of letting anger take over. When you control your reactions, you choose a constructive response. And thinking before acting helps you consider consequences and solutions. This is directly related to ASCA Behavior: Self-management skills – managing emotions, setting goals, and showing self-discipline. These are critical skills for navigating any challenging situation successfully."

Group Activity: 'Scenario Solutions' (20 minutes)

Teacher: "Now it's your turn to put these skills into practice! I'm going to divide you into small groups of 3-4 students."

(Divide students into groups.)

Teacher: "Each group will receive a Conflict Scenarios Handout. On this handout, you'll find a few common high school conflict situations that, if not handled well, could potentially lead to disciplinary action, including suspension."

(Distribute Conflict Scenarios Handout to each group.)

Teacher: "Here are your instructions for the activity: First, read your assigned scenario together. Second, discuss as a group how the conflict might escalate if not handled effectively. Third, and most importantly, brainstorm and then role-play 2-3 proactive strategies for resolving the conflict using the techniques we just reviewed – active listening, 'I' statements, taking a breather, empathy, finding common ground, or seeking mediation. As you role-play, really focus on how self-management plays a role in your chosen resolution. How do the characters use self-control to achieve a positive outcome?"

"I'll be circulating to answer any questions and offer support. Try to be creative and thoughtful in your solutions! You have 20 minutes for this activity."

(Allow 20 minutes for group work. Circulate, listen, and offer guidance. Encourage students to actually role-play their solutions.)

Debrief and Share Out (10 minutes)

Teacher: "Alright everyone, let's bring it back together. Great work in your groups! I heard some really thoughtful discussions and creative role-playing."

"Let's have each group briefly share one of their scenarios and the effective resolution strategy they developed and role-played. What solution did you come up with?"

(Call on each group to share one scenario and their resolution. After each group, facilitate a brief discussion using the following prompts:)

Teacher (after each group shares):

• "What was challenging about finding a solution for that scenario?"
• "How did applying self-management skills help the characters in your scenario avoid escalation?"
• "How might this approach specifically prevent a situation like this from leading to a suspension?"

Teacher (after all groups have shared): "Wonderful insights, everyone. You've really demonstrated an understanding of how these strategies work in real-life situations. The ability to manage our own reactions and consciously choose a constructive response is incredibly powerful."

"Remember, this directly reinforces ASCA Behavior: Self-management skills – managing your emotions, setting positive goals, and practicing self-discipline. These are the tools that will help you navigate conflicts, keep you in class, and ultimately, help you succeed in all areas of your life."

Cool-Down: 'Self-Reflection and Commitment' (5 minutes)

Teacher: "To wrap up our lesson today, I'm going to hand out a Self-Reflection Worksheet."

(Distribute Self-Reflection Worksheet to each student.)

Teacher: "Please take these last 5 minutes to individually complete this worksheet. Think about one new strategy you learned today or one that resonated with you, and how you plan to use it in your own life. Also, consider how these skills directly help you stay in school and out of trouble."

"This worksheet will serve as your exit ticket for today. Please complete it and turn it in before you leave. Thank you all for your active participation and thoughtful contributions today. Remember, consistent practice of these skills is key to reducing conflicts and avoiding suspensions. You have the power to create positive pathways for yourselves!"