Conflict Resolution
GRADES K-2

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Learning Goal

Students will learn to identify conflict and use restorative steps to resolve it.

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lessons, students will be able to:

  • Identify what conflict is
  • Understand the steps to resolve a conflict
Learning Summary

We all experience conflict, some small and some large. It’s inevitable. This lesson introduces students to what a conflict is and gives them tools to respond to and resolve conflict.

Students start with a mindful moment in which they reflect on a friend, then on someone they may have a challenge with, and finally on themselves. After discussing the importance of restoring a relationship after an apology, students listen to a Munchy and Jumpy story in which the twin rabbits overcome an unresolved conflict. After Jumpy accidentally smashes a plate of cookies on the floor, she apologizes then leaves Munchy to clean it up. On the double-day, Jumpy apologizes AND looks to repair the harm. After hearing the story, students roleplay resolving a conflict. The lesson closes with a discussion about what they learned and then a reflection in their journals of a recent conflict they’ve experienced.

computer icon Online Teaching Tips for Conflict Resolution

For both live and recorded delivery, the Munchy and Jumpy story should be the anchor of the lesson. For both options, after the story, review the conflict-resolution steps, then differentiate the lesson based on your delivery method.

There are two options. You can do the activity in the lesson plan as is but it will take some prep beforehand: selecting two students to act out the scenario and send them copies of their script. The second option is to talk through the scenario as a class and ask how they would respond.

After teaching the conflict-resolution steps you can talk through the scenario from the lesson plan then have students complete the Poster Making additional activity. Conflict will definitely come up when students are learning at home, so it can be helpful for them to have the steps written down and posted somewhere in their home.

CASEL Competencies

Self-awareness: The abilities to understand one’s own emotions, thoughts, and values and how they influence behavior across contexts. This includes capacities to recognize one’s strengths and limitations with a well-grounded sense of confidence and purpose.

Relationship skills: The abilities to establish and maintain healthy and supportive relationships and to effectively navigate settings with diverse individuals and groups. This includes the capacities to communicate clearly, listen actively, cooperate, work collaboratively to problem solve and negotiate conflict constructively, navigate settings with differing social and cultural demands and opportunities, provide leadership, and seek or offer help when needed.