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Scripted Success: The Playground Problem

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Lesson Plan

Scripted Success

Students will be able to act out a provided script and identify the positive conflict resolution strategies used by the characters.

This lesson helps students develop essential social skills for resolving conflicts peacefully and cooperatively in real-life situations, making their interactions more positive and fun.

Audience

3rd Grade

Time

25 minutes

Approach

Role-playing and discussion.

Materials

Whiteboard or projector, Slide Deck: The Super Swing Solution, and The Playground Problem Script

Prep

Prepare Materials

10 minutes

Step 1

Connect: Brainstorm Playground Games (5 minutes)

5 minutes

  • Ask students: "What are your favorite games to play on the playground?"
    - Facilitate a brief class discussion, listing a few ideas on the board.
    - Introduce the idea that sometimes conflicts can arise when playing, especially around sharing equipment.

Step 2

Learn: Read and Discuss the Script (10 minutes)

10 minutes

  • Introduce The Playground Problem Script. Explain that it shows characters facing a common playground problem.
    - Read the script aloud as a class, assigning roles to different students, or have students read in small groups.
    - After reading, use the Slide Deck: The Super Swing Solution to discuss the conflict and how the characters resolved it. Focus on key concepts like sharing, taking turns, and compromise.

Step 3

Practice: Role-Play with Different Tones (7 minutes)

7 minutes

  • Divide students into small groups and provide each group with a copy of The Playground Problem Script.
    - Instruct them to role-play the script, encouraging them to try different tones of voice for the characters (e.g., initially frustrated, then calm and cooperative).
    - Circulate and provide guidance, emphasizing clear communication and empathy.

Step 4

Reflect: Make the Playground More Fun (3 minutes)

3 minutes

  • Bring the class back together.
    - Ask students: "How can sharing, taking turns, and compromising make the playground more fun for everyone?"
    - Facilitate a short discussion, summarizing the positive impact of these strategies on social interactions.
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Slide Deck

The Super Swing Solution!

Navigating Playground Problems with Super Skills!

Welcome students and introduce the topic of playground fun and challenges. Briefly explain that today's lesson will help them become 'super swing solution' experts!

What's the Problem?

Two friends, Maya and Sam, both want the super swing at the same time!

What usually happens when this happens on the playground?

Ask students to describe what they see. Guide them to identify the conflict: two friends want the same swing. Ask: 'Have you ever been in a situation like this?'

Our Super Skills Toolkit

Sharing

  • Letting others use something you have.

Taking Turns

  • Waiting patiently for your chance.

Compromise

  • Finding a solution that works for everyone!

Explain each concept clearly. Provide simple examples for each. For 'Sharing,' mention sharing toys. For 'Taking Turns,' mention waiting for the slide. For 'Compromise,' mention finding a solution where both get something they want (e.g., half the time on the swing).

How Did They Solve It?

Think about our script, "The Playground Problem."

How did the characters use our 'Super Skills' to solve their problem?

  • Sharing: How did they share the swing?
  • Taking Turns: How did they take turns?
  • Compromise: What compromise did they reach?

Connect back to the script they just read or are about to read. Ask specific questions about the characters' actions: 'How did Maya show she was sharing?' 'How did Sam take turns?' 'What was their compromise?'

Super Swing Solutions!

When we share, take turns, and compromise, everyone wins!

The playground is more fun, and we make great friends!

Summarize the lesson. Emphasize that using these skills makes the playground (and all social interactions) more positive and fun for everyone. Encourage students to practice these skills in their daily lives.

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Script

The Playground Problem Script

Characters:

  • MAYA: Excited to swing.
  • SAM: Also excited to swing.
  • NARRATOR: To set the scene (optional).

Setting: A sunny playground, specifically near the "Super Swing."

NARRATOR: It was a beautiful day at the park. Maya spotted her favorite, the Super Swing, and ran right to it!

MAYA: (Giggles, swinging high) Woohoo! The Super Swing is the best! I could swing all day!

NARRATOR: Just then, Sam arrived, also eyeing the Super Swing.

SAM: (Approaching, a little impatient) Hey Maya! My turn! I want to go on the Super Swing!

MAYA: (Stops swinging, frowning) But I was here first! I haven't had enough turns yet!

SAM: No fair! You always get the best swing! I want it NOW!

MAYA: (Crosses her arms) Well, I'm not getting off! Find another swing!

NARRATOR: Maya and Sam stood there, both looking upset. The Super Swing sat still between them.


SAM: (Sighs) This isn't fun. We both want to swing, but we're just standing here.

MAYA: (Looks at Sam, then at the swing) Yeah. And if we keep arguing, no one gets to swing.

SAM: What if... what if we shared? Like, we each get some time?

MAYA: (Thinks) Hmm, that could work. How about you go first for five minutes, and then I get five minutes?

SAM: (Smiles) Really? Okay! And then maybe after that, if we both still want to swing, we can try taking turns every two minutes?

MAYA: (Nods enthusiastically) Yes! That's a great compromise! We can set a timer!

NARRATOR: Maya hopped off, and Sam took her turn on the Super Swing. They both smiled, knowing they had found a way to make the playground fun for everyone by sharing, taking turns, and compromising.

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Scripted Success: The Playground Problem • Lenny Learning