Activity Overview
In this activity, students will practice one of the ways to resolve conflict by completing a scenario you or another classmate has created. The example above will be copied into your teacher account when you click "Use This Assignment", and you can tailor it as necessary and add it as a template for students to complete. Students can choose which way they would like to resolve the conflict, and explain why they selected that method.
Ways To Resolve Conflict
Person to Person
Think about the other person as a person. Acknowledge people are imperfect, make mistakes, and entitled to their own opinions builds understanding for reasons behind actions or behaviors.
Listening to Understand
Listen with the intent to understand perspective as opposed to respond.
Time to Cool Off
When emotions are involved from both parties, sometimes logic is ignored, which makes conflict more difficult to manage. Some scenarios call for a time of no communication or interaction in order to resolve conflict effectively.
Find a Common Interest
Having common ground with a person or persons you're in conflict with enhances respect and humanizes them.
Never Assume
Without understanding the perspective of others, you may interpret their reactions or actions incorrectly.
Move On
While it’s important to address and not ignore conflict, conflict might not always be resolved or may take a long period of time. Prioritizing your thoughts and energy into other things and moving on from the conflict or scenario may be the only option.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Complete a story with one of the different ways to resolve a conflict.
- Click "Start Assignment."
- Create a copy of the storyboard template that was provided for you.
- Create a picture of a conflict resolution in the blank cell. Explain how it accomplishes that resolution in the description box below.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution Strategy | The cell used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey the main character using a resolution strategy. The communication between the characters reinforces successful resolution to conflict. | The cell used adequate school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey the main character using a resolution strategy. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text. The main character did not use a successful resolution strategy. |
| Description | The description effectively explains a method of conflict resolution. The description also defines the conflict in the student's own words. | The description adequately explains a method of conflict resolution. | The description fails to explain a method of conflict resolution. |
| Grammar | There are few to no grammar or spelling mistakes. | There are some grammar or spelling mistakes, but understanding of content is clear. | There are too many grammar or spelling mistakes, creating an unclear understanding of content. |
Activity Overview
In this activity, students will practice one of the ways to resolve conflict by completing a scenario you or another classmate has created. The example above will be copied into your teacher account when you click "Use This Assignment", and you can tailor it as necessary and add it as a template for students to complete. Students can choose which way they would like to resolve the conflict, and explain why they selected that method.
Ways To Resolve Conflict
Person to Person
Think about the other person as a person. Acknowledge people are imperfect, make mistakes, and entitled to their own opinions builds understanding for reasons behind actions or behaviors.
Listening to Understand
Listen with the intent to understand perspective as opposed to respond.
Time to Cool Off
When emotions are involved from both parties, sometimes logic is ignored, which makes conflict more difficult to manage. Some scenarios call for a time of no communication or interaction in order to resolve conflict effectively.
Find a Common Interest
Having common ground with a person or persons you're in conflict with enhances respect and humanizes them.
Never Assume
Without understanding the perspective of others, you may interpret their reactions or actions incorrectly.
Move On
While it’s important to address and not ignore conflict, conflict might not always be resolved or may take a long period of time. Prioritizing your thoughts and energy into other things and moving on from the conflict or scenario may be the only option.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Complete a story with one of the different ways to resolve a conflict.
- Click "Start Assignment."
- Create a copy of the storyboard template that was provided for you.
- Create a picture of a conflict resolution in the blank cell. Explain how it accomplishes that resolution in the description box below.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution Strategy | The cell used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey the main character using a resolution strategy. The communication between the characters reinforces successful resolution to conflict. | The cell used adequate school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey the main character using a resolution strategy. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text. The main character did not use a successful resolution strategy. |
| Description | The description effectively explains a method of conflict resolution. The description also defines the conflict in the student's own words. | The description adequately explains a method of conflict resolution. | The description fails to explain a method of conflict resolution. |
| Grammar | There are few to no grammar or spelling mistakes. | There are some grammar or spelling mistakes, but understanding of content is clear. | There are too many grammar or spelling mistakes, creating an unclear understanding of content. |
How Tos about Conflict Resolution Strategies
Set clear classroom norms for peaceful conflict resolution
Establishing norms at the start helps students know what is expected when disagreements arise. Review your rules with the class and get input on what respectful conflict resolution looks like. This way, students feel ownership and understand how to act respectfully during conflicts.
Model resolving a conflict using a think-aloud
Demonstrate how to work through a disagreement by acting out a scenario and narrating your thought process. Explain your choices and feelings as you go. This gives students a clear example to follow and makes the process less intimidating.
Guide students to use sentence starters for respectful dialogue
Provide simple phrases like ‘I feel... when...’ or ‘Can we try...?’ to help students express themselves calmly. Practice these together so students are ready to use them in real situations, building their confidence and communication skills.
Facilitate partner role-play to practice conflict scenarios
Pair students and assign them sample conflicts to act out. Let them switch roles so each practices both sides. Debrief as a class to highlight successful strategies and encourage reflection.
Encourage students to reflect on and share successful resolutions
Invite students to share times they solved conflicts peacefully (anonymously if needed). Celebrate their efforts and discuss what made those solutions work. This helps reinforce positive behaviors and builds a supportive classroom community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Conflict Resolution Strategies
What are effective conflict resolution strategies for middle and high school students?
Effective conflict resolution strategies for grades 6-12 include person-to-person communication, listening to understand, taking time to cool off, finding common interests, avoiding assumptions, and knowing when to move on. These techniques help students address and resolve disagreements respectfully.
How can I teach conflict resolution in a quick, engaging lesson?
Use a scenario-based activity where students choose a resolution method and explain their choice. Provide a storyboard template for students to illustrate and describe how they would resolve a conflict, making the lesson interactive and relevant.
Why is it important for students to listen to understand during conflicts?
Listening to understand helps students see different perspectives, reduces misunderstandings, and builds empathy. This approach encourages respectful dialogue and more effective conflict resolution in the classroom.
What’s the best way for students to handle emotions during a conflict?
Encourage students to take time to cool off before responding. Pausing allows emotions to settle, making it easier to communicate calmly and resolve the issue more effectively.
How do I adapt conflict resolution activities for individual or partner work?
Provide clear instructions and flexible templates so students can complete the activity alone or with a partner. Allow students to discuss scenarios, choose resolution strategies, and share their explanations together or independently.
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