Charting a Course Lesson Plan Charting a Course Through Disagreement
Conflict Navigator Lesson Plan
Tier 2 Group
Logistics
Duration
50 Minutes
Target Audience
6th Grade Group
Approach
Interactive discussion, guided practice, and collaborative problem-solving.
Materials
Navigating The Storm of Conflict Slide Deck
Conflict Scenarios Discussion Cards
My Conflict Resolution Map Worksheet
Why This Matters
Conflict is a natural part of life, but knowing how to navigate it constructively is a vital skill. This lesson provides students with practical tools to transform disagreements into opportunities for understanding and stronger relationships, reducing stress and fostering positive interactions.
Objective
Students will learn and practice a structured process for negotiating and resolving conflicts peacefully and effectively.
Preparation
Review the slide deck to familiarize yourself with the Conflict Navigator framework.
Print out copies of the Resolution Map worksheet for each student.
Print and cut the Conflict Scenarios for small group discussion.
Arrange seating for small group discussion (pods of 3-4).
Instructional Voyage
Phase: Delivery & Practice
1
Introduction: The Storm Ahead
5 MIN
Begin with a brief discussion about what conflict means and how it makes students feel.
Introduce the idea that conflict isn't always bad and can be an opportunity for growth.
Present the lesson's objective using the slide deck.
2
Understanding the Conflict Navigator Process
15 MIN
Use the slide deck to introduce the 5-step Conflict Navigator process: Identify, Understand, Brainstorm, Choose, Reflect .
Explain each step clearly, providing simple examples relevant to 6th graders (e.g., cafeteria disputes, game rules).
Emphasize active listening and empathy as crucial components.
3
Navigating Practice: Scenarios
20 MIN
Divide students into small groups (3-4).
Distribute the Conflict Scenarios cards.
Instruct groups to choose one scenario and apply the Conflict Navigator process.
Circulate among groups, providing guidance and facilitating discussion using the provided prompts.
4
Mapping Your Resolution
5 MIN
Distribute the My Conflict Resolution Map worksheet.
Have students individually reflect on a past minor conflict or a hypothetical one.
Ask students to fill out their map using the 5-step process.
5
Wrap-up and Reflection
5 MIN
Bring the groups back together.
Ask a few students to share their insights or a creative solution they brainstormed.
Reiterate that conflict is a normal part of life, but navigation skills keep us on course!
Navigating The Storm Slides Conflict Navigator
Charting a Course Through Disagreement
What is conflict? Is it always bad?
How does it make you feel?
Teacher Note: Welcome students and introduce the concept. Ask what comes to mind when they hear the word "conflict."
Our Destination: Peaceful Resolution
Today, you will learn to:
Identify different types of conflict
Use a step-by-step process to resolve disagreements
Turn arguments into understanding
Teacher Note: Explain that conflict is a normal part of life and an opportunity to learn.
Step One
Identify the Problem
01
What exactly is the disagreement about?
Stick to the facts
Describe what happened without adding opinions.
Avoid blame
Don't start sentences with "You always..." or "It's your fault..."
Teacher Note: Emphasize looking for observable facts.
Step Two
Understand Perspectives
02
"How do others see the situation?"
Teacher Note: Highlight that understanding someone doesn't mean you have to agree with them.
Step Three
Brainstorm Solutions
03
What are some ways to solve this?
Think Creatively
Don't settle for the first idea. Come up with at least three options!
Look for Win-Win
Find ideas where everyone gains something important to them.
Teacher Note: Encourage wacky or "outside the box" ideas during the brainstorming phase.
Step Four
Choose and Act
04
Which solution works best for everyone?
Agree on a clear plan
Be ready to compromise
Take the first step together
Set Your Course
Teacher Note: Discuss what compromise looks like in 6th grade situations.
Step Five
Reflect and Review
05
How did it go?
Did the solution solve the problem?
What did we learn?
Think about what worked and what didn't.
Conflict Scenarios Discussion Prompts Conflict Scenarios and Solutions
Small Group Navigation Practice
Instructions
In your small groups, read the scenarios below. Choose ONE scenario to work on. As a group, use the Conflict Navigator steps (Identify, Understand, Brainstorm, Choose, Reflect) to find a peaceful solution. Be prepared to share your process with the class.
SCENARIO 1: THE GROUP PROJECT
Liam, Sarah, and David are working on a history project together. Liam wants to do a poster, Sarah thinks a digital presentation is better, and David hasn't started any research, saying he'll do it "later." The deadline is approaching, and tensions are rising.
Discussion Prompts
• What is the core problem here?
• How might each person be feeling? Why?
• What are possible solutions that work for everyone?
• How can they make sure everyone contributes fairly?
SCENARIO 2: THE PLAYGROUND GAME
During recess, a group of friends is playing kickball. Two friends, Emily and Maya, disagree strongly about whether a ball was fair or foul. Both are convinced they are right and are now yelling at each other, threatening to quit the game.
Discussion Prompts
• What is the immediate problem vs. deeper issues?
• Why are they so upset? What are they feeling?
• What are different ways they could resolve this?
• What is a fair way to decide and move past it?
SCENARIO 3: THE BORROWED ITEM
Alex lent his favorite graphic novel to Chris last week. Now Alex wants it back, but Chris says he can't find it and isn't sure where he put it. Alex is upset because it was a special gift; Chris is feeling defensive and frustrated.
Discussion Prompts
• What are the main conflict and underlying feelings?
• How might Chris feel about being accused?
• What if he really can't find it? What then?
• What does this teach us about borrowing/lending?
My Conflict Resolution Map Worksheet My Conflict Resolution Map
Navigator's Personal Log
Name:
Date:
Think about a minor conflict you've had recently, or imagine a conflict you might have with a friend or family member. Use the Conflict Navigator steps to map out how you could resolve it peacefully.
1
Identify the Problem
What exactly is the disagreement about? State the facts without blaming anyone.
2
Understand Perspectives
How do you see the situation? How do you think the other person sees it? What might they be feeling?
3
Brainstorm Solutions
List at least three different ways you could solve this problem. Think creatively!
4
Choose and Act
Which solution is best? Why? What steps will you take to make it happen?
5
Reflect and Review
If you tried this solution, how do you think it would go? What would you learn?
Navigator's Challenge
How might practicing these steps make future conflicts easier to handle?
