Introduction
Disagreements or arguments with friends are called conflicts, and they can occur from time to time. Conflicts may make us feel upset or uncomfortable, but when we resolve them, everyone feels better, and the friendship usually returns to normal. To handle conflicts with friends, we can use the Problem Solving Steps. This blog post will discuss these steps, provide a no-prep activity for educators, and suggest discussion questions to enhance the learning experience.
No-Prep Activity
This activity is called “The Conflict Resolution Puppet Show.” Educators can facilitate this activity without any preparation or materials. Have your students pair up and give each pair a scenario involving a conflict between friends. Ask them to create a puppet show using their hands as puppets to act out the conflict and resolution. Encourage them to use the Problem Solving Steps as they work through the scenario. After each pair has performed their puppet show, facilitate a group discussion about the different solutions and how the conflicts were resolved.
Discussion Questions
- What are some common reasons conflicts happen between friends in your classroom?
- How can we identify the cause of a conflict? What are some things to consider when trying to figure out what went wrong?
- Why is it important to think about how we might have hurt our friend’s feelings before focusing on how they hurt ours?
- Can you think of a time when you resolved a conflict using the Problem Solving Steps? How did it make you feel?
- What are some ways we can prevent conflicts from happening in the first place?
Related Skills
While learning how to handle conflicts is an essential skill, there are other relevant skills for students to develop. Some of these include:
- Active listening: To better understand others’ feelings and opinions during a conflict.
- Empathy: To recognize and understand the emotions of others, which can help prevent conflicts or resolve them more effectively.
- Assertiveness: To express one’s own feelings and needs in a respectful manner during a disagreement.
- Collaboration: To work together with others to find a solution that benefits everyone involved.
Next Steps
If you found this blog post helpful and would like to explore more resources on conflict resolution and other essential skills, we encourage you to sign up for free samples of our materials. These samples will provide you with additional tools and activities to support your students’ social-emotional learning journey. Don’t miss this opportunity to help your students develop the skills they need for a successful and fulfilling life.
