Conflict Resolution Scenario Cards

Use these scenario cards for student role-plays. In pairs, one student takes Role A and the other takes Role B. Encourage students to use active listening, I-statements, and empathy to work through each situation.

1. Lost Pencil

Role A (Borrower): You borrowed Role B’s favorite pencil during math class but misplaced it before you could return it.

Role B (Owner): You just realized your pencil is missing and believe Role A lost it.

2. Excluded from Recess

Role A (Friend Group): You and two friends are planning what to play at recess and accidentally talk as if Role B isn’t there.

Role B (Excluded Student): You feel left out and hurt because you weren’t included in the planning.

3. Interrupting in Class

Role A (Talker): You keep interrupting Role B during class discussions because you’re excited.

Role B (Speaker): You get frustrated when you can’t finish explaining your idea.

4. Homework Copying

Role A (Cheater): You asked Role B for help and ended up copying most of their homework answers.

Role B (Helper): You feel upset because you did the work yourself and want credit.

5. Game Turn Dispute

Role A (First Player): You decided to be first in a board game without asking Role B, and now Role B says it’s not fair.

Role B (Next Player): You feel overlooked because you always want a fair chance to start.

6. Rumor Spread

Role A (Gossip): You heard a rumor about Role B and shared it with classmates without checking if it’s true.

Role B (Target): You are upset that people are talking about you behind your back.

7. Messy Locker

Role A (Mess Maker): You accidentally knocked into Role B’s locker and scattered their books and papers.

Role B (Locker Owner): You feel angry because you’ll lose time picking everything up before class.

8. Digital Screenshot

Role A (Sharer): You took a screenshot of a private chat with Role B and shared it without asking.

Role B (Chat Owner): You feel betrayed and embarrassed that private messages are public.

Self-Reflection Worksheet

Name: _________________________ Date: _______________

1. Which active listening skill did you use during your role-play? (eye contact, nodding, reflecting, asking questions) Explain how you used it.

1. Write the I-statement you used (or would use) to express your feelings in the scenario.

1. How did using the I-statement help you and the other person understand each other better?

1. One thing I will try next time I have a disagreement is:

1. What did you learn about empathy from this activity?

Active Listening Visual Poster

Use these five key steps to show you’re truly listening and to help others feel heard.

1. 👀 Give Full Attention (Eye Contact)

• Face the speaker and look at their eyes or their face.
• Avoid distractions (put away devices, turn your body toward them).

2. 👍 Show Engagement (Nodding & Encouraging Words)

• Nod your head and smile when appropriate.
• Say brief prompts like “I see,” “Uh-huh,” or “Go on.”

3. 🔄 Reflect & Paraphrase

• Repeat back what you heard in your own words.
• Use phrases like “What I hear you saying is…” or “So you feel… because…”

4. ❓ Ask Clarifying Questions

• Ask open-ended questions to learn more, such as:
  • “Can you tell me more about that?”
  • “What happened next?”
• Avoid yes/no questions to keep the conversation going.

5. 🤝 Maintain Respectful Tone & Open Mind

• Keep your voice calm and steady.
• Be patient and let the speaker finish before you respond.
• Show empathy by imagining how they feel.

Remember: Active listening isn’t just about hearing words—it’s about making someone feel understood and respected.
Post this visual as a reminder during class discussions, peer talks, and role-plays!

I-Statement Sentence Starters

Use I-statements to express your feelings clearly without blaming others. Follow the simple three-part structure:

I feel ___ when ___ because ___

1. Emotion Starters

• I feel ______
• I felt ______
• I’m _______ (frustrated, upset, proud, confused)
• It bothers me ______

2. Situation Starters

• when ______
• when you ______
• if ______
• when someone ______

3. Reason/Impact Starters

• because ______
• so I ______
• and I ______
• which makes me ______

Putting It Together

Choose one starter from each section to build your I-statement. For example:

• I feel frustrated when you interrupt me because I can’t finish my thought.

• I was hurt when I wasn’t asked to join the game and I felt left out.

• It bothers me if my locker gets bumped so I lose my books.

Refer back to this handout during role-plays and real conflicts to help you speak up calmly and respectfully!