Peaceful Problem-Solving Steps Lesson Plan
Peaceful Problem-Solving Steps
Conflict Solvers • Teacher Facilitation Guide
Duration 30 MIN
Objective
Students will learn and practice simple strategies for resolving conflicts peacefully and respectfully with their peers.
Why This Matters
Understanding how to resolve conflicts is a critical life skill that helps students build stronger friendships, feel safer at school, and contribute to a more positive classroom environment.
Preparation
- Review the Turning Frowns Upside Down slide deck.
- Review the Role-Play Conflict Scenarios script.
- Print copies of My Conflict Resolution Map for each student.
- Prepare small whiteboards or paper/pencils for each student.
- Arrange the small group seating (circle or around a table).
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Materials: Whiteboards/Paper Markers/Pencils Slide Deck Role-Play Script Worksheets
Lesson Procedure
1
5 MIN
Introduction: What is Conflict?
- Ask students: "What do you think 'conflict' means?"
- Use the first slide of Turning Frowns Upside Down to guide discussion.
- Explain: Conflicts are disagreements. They are normal, but we must solve them peacefully.
- Introduce the concept of being a Conflict Solver.
2
10 MIN
Learn the Steps: STOP, THINK, TALK, SOLVE
- Use slides 2-6 to introduce each step.
- Ask for real-world examples for each step.
- Practice physical actions:
- ✋ STOP: Hold up a hand.
- 🧠 THINK: Tap the head.
- 🗣️ TALK: Hand near mouth.
- 🤝 SOLVE: Clap hands together.
3
10 MIN
Role-Play Practice
- Use the Role-Play Conflict Scenarios script.
- Invite two volunteers per scenario.
- Guide them through the STOP, THINK, TALK, SOLVE sequence.
- Give positive reinforcement for peaceful language and empathy.
4
5 MIN
Reflection and Application
- Distribute the My Conflict Resolution Map worksheet.
- Guide students through the "What happened?" section.
- Encourage them to apply the 4 steps to a real or imagined conflict.
- Wrap up by reminding them that they are now "Certified Conflict Solvers."
Turning Frowns Upside Down Slides
What's a Conflict?
Have you ever disagreed with a friend?
Felt mad about something?
That's a conflict! It's okay – they happen to everyone!
Teacher: Ask for examples of disagreements.
Be a Conflict Solver!
You have the power to solve problems!
😊
A conflict solver helps turn a frown upside down by finding a peaceful solution.
Step 1
STOP! 🛑
When you feel a conflict brewing, PAUSE.
- Take a deep breath.
- Count to three.
- Don't react right away.
Step 2
THINK! 🤔
What happened?
How do you feel?
How do they feel?
Step 3
TALK! 🗣️
"I feel _____ when _____."
Use kind words to tell them how you feel.
Listen to what they say, too!
Step 4
SOLVE! ✨
Together, find a solution!
🤝 Can you share?
🔄 Take turns?
🙏 Say sorry?
🙋♂️ Ask for help?
Remember Our Steps!
🛑
Stop
🤔
Think
🗣️
Talk
✨
Solve
You are amazing conflict solvers!
Role-Play Conflict Scenarios Script
Role-Play Conflict Scenarios
Teacher Script • Practicing Peaceful Resolution
Introduction to Role-Playing
"Alright, amazing conflict solvers! Now that we know our four steps – STOP, THINK, TALK, SOLVE – it's time to practice being real-life conflict solvers! We're going to do some role-playing. That means we'll pretend to be in different situations, and you'll get to practice using our steps to solve the problem peacefully. Remember, there's no right or wrong way to feel, and it's all about trying out our new skills."
"Who would like to be the first to try? I will read a short story, and two of you will pretend to be the characters. Don't worry, I'll be right here to help you through the steps if you need me!"
Scenario 1
The Shared Toy
Situation: You and your friend, [Name] and [Name], are playing with a super cool toy car during free play. You both want to play with it right now! Player A, you grabbed it first, but Player B really wants a turn and is starting to get upset.
1
"Okay, remember our first step. What is it?" (Wait for: STOP!) "That's right, STOP! Take a deep breath together."
2
"Step 2: THINK! Player A, how do you think Player B feels? Player B, how do you feel? What are you thinking about wanting that car?"
3
"Now, let's TALK! Use kind words. Player A, tell Player B how you feel about playing with the car. Player B, share your feelings too."
4
"Last step: SOLVE! How can you both solve this so everyone gets to play? What are some ideas?"
Scenario 2
The Drawing Mishap
Situation: Player C is drawing a beautiful picture, and Player D accidentally bumps the table, causing the crayon to make a big scribble on the drawing. Player C is very upset!
1
"What's our first step when a conflict happens?" (Wait for: STOP!) "Yes, STOP! Everyone take a deep breath. Take a moment to pause."
2
"Now, THINK! Player C, how do you feel about your drawing? Player D, how do you think Player C feels? What were you thinking when you bumped the table?"
3
"TALK time! Player C, tell Player D how you feel about your picture. Player D, what can you say to Player C?"
4
"Finally, SOLVE! How can you make this situation better? What can Player D do to help?"
Wrap-Up
"You all did such a great job practicing our steps today. Remember, conflicts are a part of life, but with these tools, you can handle them peacefully and respectfully. Keep practicing these steps every day!"
My Conflict Resolution Map Worksheet
My Conflict Resolution Map
I am a Conflict Solver!
Name:
Date:
Conflicts happen, but you have the power to solve them! Use this map to think through a problem and find a peaceful solution.
1
The Conflict Story
What happened? Draw a picture or write about it below:
2
Your Conflict Solver Steps
🛑 STOP!
Deep breath... count to 3...
What did you do to calm down?
🤔 THINK!
How did YOU feel? (Circle one)
😊 ☹️ 😠 😥
How did THEY feel?
🗣️ TALK!
What could you say to them?
Use an "I feel" statement
"I feel
when
."
✨ SOLVE!
How can you both make it better?
Share the toy
Take turns
Something else:
I can solve problems with kindness!
