Lesson Plan
Solving Squabbles: Peace Out!
Students will be able to identify common causes of conflict and practice a 3-step conflict resolution strategy to resolve disagreements peacefully.
Understanding how to resolve conflicts is a crucial life skill that helps students build stronger relationships, reduce stress, and create a more positive and respectful environment in school and at home.
Audience
6th Grade
Time
30 minutes
Approach
Interactive discussion, guided practice, and a collaborative activity.
Materials
Prep
Teacher Preparation
10 minutes
- Review the Solving Squabbles Slide Deck and familiarize yourself with the content.
- Print copies of the Conflict Corner Worksheet (one per student).
- Print copies of the Peace Treaty Template (one per pair or small group).
- Ensure projector and computer are set up for the slide deck.
- Review all generated materials as needed.
Step 1
Warm-Up: What's the Fuss?
5 minutes
- Begin by asking students: "What does 'conflict' mean to you? When have you seen or experienced a disagreement?" (2 minutes)
- Facilitate a brief class discussion, encouraging students to share examples of conflicts they've observed or been a part of (e.g., arguments over games, misunderstandings with friends, sibling squabbles). Emphasize that conflict is normal. (3 minutes)
Step 2
Introducing the Peace Process
10 minutes
- Present the Solving Squabbles Slide Deck (Slides 1-4).
- Introduce the idea that conflicts can be solved peacefully. Explain the 3-step resolution process: Stop & Cool Down, Talk It Out, Find a Solution. (5 minutes)
- Discuss each step, using examples relevant to 6th graders. Emphasize active listening during the 'Talk It Out' phase. (5 minutes)
Step 3
Activity: Conflict Corner Worksheet
10 minutes
- Distribute the Conflict Corner Worksheet.
- Instruct students to work individually or in pairs to brainstorm common conflicts and apply the 3-step resolution process to one scenario. (7 minutes)
- Circulate and provide support, prompting students to think deeply about each step.
- Ask a few volunteers to share their scenarios and proposed solutions with the class. (3 minutes)
Step 4
Wrap-Up: Peace Treaty Pledge
5 minutes
- Distribute the Peace Treaty Template.
- Ask students to reflect on one thing they learned about conflict resolution and write it on their 'Peace Treaty.' They can also pledge to use one of the strategies. (2 minutes)
- Have students share their pledges with a partner or the whole class if time permits. Collect the templates as an exit ticket or display them. (3 minutes)
Slide Deck
Solving Squabbles: Peace Out!
Navigating disagreements and finding solutions together.
What does "conflict" mean to you?
When have you experienced or seen a disagreement?
Welcome students and introduce the topic of conflict resolution. Ask a warm-up question to get them thinking about disagreements.
Conflict Happens!
Disagreements are a normal part of life, whether it's with friends, family, or classmates.
It's how we handle them that matters!
Today, we'll learn a 3-step plan to solve squabbles peacefully.
Explain that conflict is a normal part of life, but it's important to know how to handle it constructively. Introduce the idea of a strategy.
Step 1: Stop & Cool Down
When you feel upset, angry, or frustrated, take a moment to pause.
- Take a deep breath.
- Count to ten.
- Walk away for a minute if you need to.
This helps you think clearly instead of reacting impulsively.
Introduce the first step: Stop & Cool Down. Emphasize the importance of taking a moment before reacting.
Step 2: Talk It Out
Once everyone is calm, it's time to communicate.
- Use "I" statements: "I feel [emotion] when [situation] because [reason]."
- Listen actively: Let the other person explain their side without interrupting.
- Understand their perspective: Try to see things from their point of view.
Introduce the second step: Talk It Out. Stress active listening and expressing feelings respectfully.
Step 3: Find a Solution
Work together to come up with ideas that work for everyone.
- Brainstorm ideas: Think of different ways to fix the problem.
- Consider fairness: Is the solution fair to both sides?
- Agree on a plan: Choose a solution you both can commit to.
- Shake on it! (or give a high five)
Introduce the third step: Find a Solution. Encourage students to brainstorm fair and agreeable outcomes.
The Peace Process: Review
- Stop & Cool Down: Take a breath, calm down.
- Talk It Out: Use "I" statements, listen actively.
- Find a Solution: Brainstorm fair ideas, agree on a plan.
Now, let's practice putting these steps into action!
Summarize the 3 steps and transition to the activity.
Worksheet
Conflict Corner: Practice Your Peace Skills
Name: _____________________________
Date: _____________________________
Conflicts happen to everyone! It's how you handle them that shows your strength. In this worksheet, you'll practice using our 3-step "Peace Process" to solve common squabbles.
Part 1: Common Conflicts
Think about some disagreements that often happen between friends, classmates, or siblings. List at least three common conflict scenarios:
- ____________________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________________
- ____________________________________________________________________
Part 2: Solve a Squabble!
Choose one of the conflicts you listed above (or make up a new one) and describe it below. Then, use the 3-step Peace Process to think through how you would resolve it.
The Conflict Scenario:
Describe the situation and who is involved:
Applying the Peace Process:
Step 1: Stop & Cool Down
What would you do to calm down? What would the other person do?
Step 2: Talk It Out
What would you say using "I" statements? What would you listen for from the other person? (Write down some example sentences for both sides).
Step 3: Find a Solution
What are some possible solutions that would be fair to everyone? What solution would you choose, and why?
Journal
My Personal Peace Treaty
Name: _____________________________
Date: _____________________________
Today, we learned about the "Peace Process" for solving squabbles: Stop & Cool Down, Talk It Out, and Find a Solution.
It takes courage and practice to use these skills, but they can help you have better relationships and feel more peaceful.
My Reflection
One important thing I learned about conflict resolution today is:
My Pledge
I, ___________________________________, pledge to try and use the following peace skill(s) when I face a disagreement:
- Stop & Cool Down (I will take a breath or walk away to calm down.)
- Talk It Out (I will use "I" statements and listen to the other person.)
- Find a Solution (I will try to brainstorm fair solutions with the other person.)
- Other (Please specify): ____________________________________________________________________
Signed: _____________________________
Peace begins with me!