Resolution Rhymes Script

Introduction (Warm-Up)

Teacher: "Welcome, Solving Squad! Today we're going to become experts at solving tricky situations. Before we dive in, can anyone share a time (without naming names!) they had a small disagreement with a friend or sibling? How did it make you feel?"

(Allow a few students to share briefly. Affirm that disagreements are normal.)

Teacher: "Exactly! Disagreements happen to everyone, even grown-ups. It's how we handle them that makes all the difference. Today, we're going to learn some awesome conflict codes to help us solve problems fairly."

What's a Conflict? (Slide 2: "What's a Conflict, Anyway?")

Teacher: "Look at our first slide. What is a conflict? It's simply when people have different ideas, opinions, or want different things. It doesn't mean anyone is bad; it just means we see things differently sometimes. Like if one person wants to play soccer and another wants to play basketball."

Why Bother? (Slide 3: "Why Bother Solving Conflicts?")

Teacher: "Why do you think it's important to solve conflicts instead of just ignoring them or getting upset?"

(Listen to student responses. Guide them toward the benefits listed on the slide.)

Teacher: "Great ideas! Solving conflicts helps us have better friendships, makes our days happier, keeps our classroom a peaceful place to learn, and makes sure everyone feels heard. Nobody likes feeling ignored or misunderstood, right?"

Tool #1: "I Statements" (Slide 4: "Tool #1: 'I Statements'")

Teacher: "Our first super tool is called an 'I Statement'. This is a way to tell someone how you feel and what you need, without blaming them. It helps you speak up for yourself respectfully."

Teacher: "Look at the example on the slide. Instead of, 'You always hog the ball!', which sounds like blaming, we can say, 'I feel frustrated when I don't get a turn with the ball.' See how that focuses on your feelings and needs?"

Teacher: "Let's try one together. Imagine your friend accidentally bumps into you and spills your water bottle. How could you use an 'I statement' to tell them how you feel, without yelling or blaming?"

(Guide students to formulate statements like, "I feel sad that my water spilled," or "I need you to be more careful around my desk.")

Tool #2: Let's Compromise! (Slide 5: "Tool #2: Let's Compromise!")

Teacher: "Our second tool is called 'Compromise'. This is like finding a 'win-win' solution. It means everyone gives a little bit of what they want so that everyone can get a little bit of what they want. Nobody gets everything, but nobody gets nothing."

Teacher: "Think about the example on the slide: You want to play tag, but your friend wants to read. How could you compromise?"

(Guide them to the solution on the slide: "Play tag for 10 minutes, then read together for 10 minutes.")

Teacher: "It's about finding the middle ground so both people are happy enough!"

The Conflict Code: S.T.O.P. (Slide 6: "The Conflict Code: S.T.O.P.")

Teacher: "Sometimes, when a conflict starts, we get really heated! Our brains feel like they're on fire. That's when we need our special 'Conflict Code': S.T.O.P.!"

Teacher: "

• S stands for STOP and cool down. Take a deep breath. Count to five. Get a drink of water.
• T stands for THINK about what you feel and what you need. And try to think about what the other person might feel and need too.
• O stands for OPTIONS! What are some different ways you could solve this problem? Brainstorm all your ideas, even silly ones at first!
• P stands for PICK the best option and try it! What's fair? What will make things better?"

Teacher: "This code helps us pause before we say or do something we might regret."

Practice Makes Perfect! (Slide 7: "Practice Makes Perfect!")

Teacher: "Now it's time to put our Solving Squad skills to the test! We're going to do the Conflict Cards Activity. I'll give each small group a card with a conflict scenario. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to use your 'I Statements' and 'Compromise' tools, along with the S.T.O.P. code, to figure out how to solve it!"

(Distribute Conflict Cards Activity and guide groups as they work. Provide support and prompts, encouraging role-playing if comfortable.)

You're a Solving Squad Expert! (Slide 8: "You're a Solving Squad Expert!")

Teacher: "Wow, you all did an amazing job with those conflict cards! You really showed how to use your 'I Statements' and find compromises. Remember, being part of the Solving Squad means you have the power to make your friendships stronger and your school days happier by using these conflict codes."

Teacher: "What was one thing you learned today that you think you can use the next time you have a disagreement?"

(Allow a few students to share.)

Teacher: "Fantastic! Keep practicing, Solving Squad. You've got this!"

Conflict Cards: Solving Squad Missions

Instructions: Cut out the cards below. In your group, pick a card and discuss how you would use "I statements," compromise, and the S.T.O.P. code to resolve the conflict. Be ready to share your best solution!

Card 1: The Game Controller Calamity

You and your friend both want to play the video game, but there's only one controller. You both grab for it at the same time!

How would you use an "I statement"?

How could you find a compromise?

What would be your S.T.O.P. steps?

Card 2: The Playground Power Struggle

During recess, you want to play soccer, but your friends insist on playing tag. You feel left out and frustrated.

How would you use an "I statement"?

How could you find a compromise?

What would be your S.T.O.P. steps?

Card 3: The Art Supply Argument

You are working on an art project, and your classmate takes the last blue crayon without asking, which you needed for your sky.

How would you use an "I statement"?

How could you find a compromise?

What would be your S.T.O.P. steps?

Card 4: The Loud Lunch Table

At lunch, a group of boys at your table are being very loud and disruptive, making it hard for you to hear your friend talking.

How would you use an "I statement"?

How could you find a compromise (or a solution)?

What would be your S.T.O.P. steps?

Conflict Resolution Cool Down

Name: ____________________________

1. What is one thing you learned today about solving conflicts that you will try to use this week?
   
   
   
   
   

2. What does the "P" in our S.T.O.P. Conflict Code stand for?