Conflict Resolution Lesson Plan Middle School

Conflict Resolution Lesson Plan for Middle Schoolers and Teens

Objective: Students learn:

1. Helpful steps for conflict resolution

2. How to find appropriate solutions for common conflicts

3. How to become conflict managers through mature and considerate behavior

At the end of the lesson, students will know how to:

• Stop, regroup, and respond to the situation appropriately. When a conflict occurs,

students will know to calm down so they can handle the situation rationally rather

than when emotions are running high.

• Open up discussion to identify and clarify exactly what the source of conflict is.

Students will know to use language that does not demean the other person and

that they can express their emotions in a mature way by using ‘I’ messages

rather than only blaming the other party.

• Listen to the other person’s side, and consider how they would feel in their place.

• Volunteer possible solutions to the problems. Students will know to take turns

and cooperate with the other party to brainstorm different ideas that woul

resolve the conflict.

• Evaluate the solutions together and implement the best one. Students will use an

appropriate solution that is fair, fits the conflicts, and that both parties ar

satisfied with.

The

se five steps (SOLVE – Stop, Open up discussion, Listen, Volunteer solutions,

Evaluate and implement a solution) can help students negotiate conflict in a healthy way.

Introduction

Begin by discussing what conflict is. While a conflict can be defined as an argument or

dispute, teachers should elaborate on different types of conflict and the different ways

conflict can manifest itself.

• Conflict can occur between individuals, groups or a combination of these.

• Conflict can be verbal, can occur via technology (Facebook, texting, email), can

involve personal property, can involve personal beliefs or philosophies, or may

be the result of anger, jealousy, or other emotions.

• People often have a conflict style – their natural tendency when faced with a

problem. Common tendencies include avoidance, accommodation,

compromising, collaborating or standing firm on the issue.

• Tweens and teens can have volatile emotions and feel the urge to lash out

physically during a conflict. Teachers should establish that violent behavior is not

acceptable and never an appropriate way to handle conflict.

LovetoKnow

Instruction

Ask students to identify ways they can stop, regroup, and calm down when a conflict

occurs. Possibilities include:

• Getting away from the situation for a period of time

• Going for a short walk or jog

• Listening to some favorite music

• Take some deep breaths

• Get a drink of water

• Splash cold water on your face

1. Ask students to provide ideas on how they should act once they have calmed

down and regrouped. At this point they can open up discussion with the other

party to identify the conflict and talk about the issue. Discuss the aspects that

students should consider at this point, such as:

• Being respectful and considerate of the other person.

• Keeping the focus on the conflict itself and use concrete facts.

• Discussing emotions using ‘I’ messages. Beginning a sentence with “I felt”

expresses emotion without making the other party feel defensive.

• Keeping emotions in check during the conversation.

• Being accountable for their actions. If someone was clearly wrong, he shoul

be accountable for his actions and apologize.

2. List

ening to other the party is an important part of the conflict resolution process,

but can be especially difficult for middle school and teen students. A student may

feel very strongly in the event of a conflict that she is right and not be willing to

listen to the other person. Discuss good listening skills and how the following can

help the conflict resolution process go more smoothly:

• View the conflict from the other person’s point of view and imagine how she is

feeling

• Re

main focused on the issue at hand.

• Rem

ember to stay calm, taking a few deep breaths or a break in conversation

if needed.

3. Ask students to provide examples of conflicts and discuss what possible

solutions would work. Talk about how volunteering possible solutions encourages

corroboration and helps both parties proactively seek resolution.

• En

urage students to try to think of options in which both parties gain

something from the resolution.

• Promote creative problem-solving and outside-the-box solutions.

• Acknowledge that both parties may have to compromise in order to come to

an effective resolution.

• Suggest students consider pros and cons of each possible idea.

LovetoKnow

4. Evaluating the proposed solutions and implementing the best one is the last

stage of the conflict resolution process. Students will need to identify which

solution fits best. They should keep these things in mind:

• The solution should be appropriate for the conflict.

• Both parties should be mutually satisfied with the solution.

• Acknowledge that sometimes the solution for a conflict is to agree to

disagree. If both parties are unable to agree and come to another appropriat

solution, it may be the only choice rather than continuing with the conflict.

Activity: Conflict Resolution Worksheet

Using the worksheet, students show what they have learned by identifying the steps in

the conflict resolution process and proposing solutions for the conflict scenarios

described.

LovetoKnow

Conflict Resolution Worksheet

Answer the questions with True or False.

_____ The first step in the conflict resolution process is to make sure the other person

knows exactly how I am feeling.

_____ It is important to listen to and try to understand the other person’s point of view,

even if I’m angry.

_____ If the other person was wrong, there is no point in trying to resolve the conflict.

_____ I should begin talking with the other person by telling them what they did wrong.

_____ The best solution is one in which both people are satisfied with the result.

_____ I don’t need to apologize for anything I did as long as we come to a solution.

_____ Nothing positive ever comes from conflict.

_____ It’s important to calm down before trying to resolve the conflict.

Choose the best answer.

The first step in the conflict resolution process is:

A. Telling the other person how we should solve the problem.

B. Stop, calm down, and regroup.

C. Deciding who was right.

D. Talking about the problem on Facebook.

It’s important to:

A. Make sure I don’t get in trouble because of a conflict.

B. Be accountable for poor choices I’ve made and apologize when I’m wrong.

C. Never back down.

D. Tell my friends what the other person did wrong when there is a conflict.

When trying to resolve a conflict:

A. It’s important that I listen to the other person and consider his or her point

of view.

B. I should always just let the other person have their way so there’s no problem.

C. It’s not important to talk about my feelings.

D. It’s ok to ignore the other person’s ideas if I don’t like them.

In order to make conflict resolution productive:

A. I should get it over with as quickly as possible.

B. Everyone involved should just ignore their feelings.

C. One person should be happy with the solution.

D. It’s important that I focus on the issue and stick to the facts.

LovetoKnow

Write down your ideas for possible solutions to the following conflict scenarios.

1. A friend says something mean about you on Facebook.

2. Your brother borrowed your ipod charger and now it’s broken.

3. You find out one of your friends had a party and didn’t invite you.

4. All of your friends are going to a party, but your parents won’t let you go.

5. A friend took your phone and started reading your texts.

6. Your sister won’t let you change the channel to watch your favorite show on TV.

LovetoKnow