Conflict Scenario Cards

Use these scenario cards for role-play in pairs. Each card describes a conflict situation where you’ll practice choosing and applying a de-escalation strategy instead of fighting or arguing.

1. Hallway Bump
   You’re walking to class when someone you don’t know barrels into you, then laughs and says, “Watch where you’re goin’, loser.”

2. Locker Line Insult
   You’re waiting in line at your locker. A classmate behind you nudges you, rolls their eyes, and mutters, “You’re so slow, man.”

3. Group Chat Taunt
   You post a picture in a group chat. A peer replies with a mocking comment and tags others, making fun of how you look.

4. Basketball Court Challenge
   During recess, someone shoves you on the basketball court and says, “You can’t play worth a dime—get out of here.”

5. Cafeteria Spill
   You accidentally spill a drink at someone else’s table. They slam their tray down and yell, “You clumsy idiot!”

6. Text Message Threat
   You get a text from a classmate calling you a “punk” and telling you to meet them after school if you want to prove yourself.

7. Group Project Critique
   While working on a project, a teammate shouts, “You did nothing! Why are you even here?” in front of everyone.

8. Bus Seat Snub
   You sit in an empty seat on the bus. Another student comes, kicks your bag, and says, “That seat was for me!”

De-Escalation Strategies Poster

Keep a Cool Head, Stay in Control

1. Use a Calm Tone
   Speak slowly and steadily to lower tension.

2. Practice Active Listening
   Focus on what the other person is saying—show you’re paying attention.

3. Walk Away or Take a Break
   Step back from the situation until you can think clearly.

4. Offer a Fair Solution
   Propose a respectful way to resolve the issue together.

5. Seek Help from a Trusted Adult
   Ask a teacher, counselor, or coach to step in if you need support.

Reflection Worksheet

Name: _____________________ Date: ____________

1. List three de-escalation strategies from the De-Escalation Strategies Poster. For each, explain how you would use it in a conflict.

2. Choose one scenario from the Conflict Scenario Cards. Describe the scenario in your own words and the de-escalation strategy you would apply. Explain why it would work.

3. Why is using coping skills and de-escalation stronger than responding with physical or verbal aggression? List two reasons and describe how each benefit helps you.

4. Think of a time you felt disrespected in the past. How might you apply one of the de-escalation strategies instead of fighting or shouting? Describe the situation and your new response.

5. Commit to one de-escalation strategy you will try next time you feel disrespected. Write the strategy and why you believe it will be stronger than fighting.

Real Strength: Cool Heads – Teacher Script (Simplified)

Before Class

• Hang the De-Escalation Strategies Poster at eye level.
• Lay out Conflict Scenario Cards where everyone can reach.
• Place Reflection Worksheet on each desk.
• Draw simple icons next to each strategy on the whiteboard.
• Have your timer and markers ready.

1. Warm-Up Introduction (5 minutes)

Teacher (smiling, standing by the poster):
“Hello, friends! Today we’re talking about real strength—using your head, not your fists, when someone is rude to you.”

• Point to icons on the board:
“These pictures show ideas we can use instead of fighting. Let’s name them.”

Ask:
“What can we do when someone disrespects us?”

• As students call out answers (“walk away,” “calm voice,” “listen”), write each word by its matching icon.

Check:
“Thumbs up if you remember these ideas!”

Transition:
“Great job—now let’s learn about each strategy.”

2. Show De-Escalation Strategies (7 minutes)

Teacher (pointing to poster pictures one at a time):

1. “Calm Voice”
   • Read it aloud.
   • Students say, “Calm Voice,” and speak in a slow voice.

2. “Listen”
   • Read aloud.
   • Students say, “Listen,” and put hand by ear gesture.

3. “Walk Away”
   • Read aloud.
   • Students say, “Walk Away,” and step in place.

4. “Fair Solution”
   • Read aloud.
   • Students say, “Fair Solution,” and hold hands together like a deal.

5. “Ask for Help”
   • Read aloud.
   • Students say, “Ask for Help,” and point up (to an adult).

After each strategy:
“Thumbs up if you get it? Yes? Great!”

If someone seems unsure:
“Watch me!” (Model the strategy with a quick mini-scene.)

Transition:
“Now let’s practice with partners.”

3. Guided Role-Play (12 minutes)

Teacher:
“Turn to a partner. Take one Conflict Scenario Card each.”

Model (loud enough to hear):

1. Read: “Hallway Bump: Someone bumps you and calls you a loser.”
2. Pick strategy: “Calm Voice.”
   • Say in calm tone: “Please watch where you’re going.”
   • Gesture: hand by ear or slow voice.

Teacher:
“Your turn! One reads the card, the other picks a strategy, acts it out, and uses the gesture and calm words.”

• Start timer for 3 minutes.
• After 3 minutes: “Switch!”
Give a new card and set timer again.

Circulate and quietly point at the poster or icons if students get stuck.

After both rounds:
“Who felt proud using a strategy? Who wants to share what you did?”
• Invite 1–2 volunteers to show or tell.

Transition:
“Fantastic—last step is a quick reflection.”

4. Cool-Down Reflection (6 minutes)

Teacher (handing out worksheets):
“Here is your Reflection Worksheet. On it, draw or write one strategy you will use next time someone is rude.”

• Set timer for 3 minutes.
• Walk around, nod, and give a thumbs-up for effort.

After timer:
“Who wants to hold up your drawing or words and tell us your strategy?”
• Invite 2–3 students.
• Give each a sticker or a thumbs-up.

Teacher (closing):
“Great work today! Remember: Real strength is staying calm and in control. Use your picture and gesture when you need it. See you next time!”

End of Lesson