Flip the Friction Lesson Plan Flip the Friction
Conflict Resolution & Restorative Practices
Grade Level
10th Grade
Duration
45 Minutes
Approach
Interactive & Fishbowl
Focus
De-escalation & Equity
Why This Matters
This lesson provides 10th-grade students with essential social-emotional skills like de-escalation, compromise, and perspective-taking. These tools empower them to transform conflicts into opportunities for growth, fostering a more respectful and supportive school community.
Learning Objective
Students will learn and practice de-escalation, perspective-taking, and compromise to resolve conflicts fairly and build a positive school environment.
Materials Needed
Restorative Toolbox Slide Deck
Conflict Discussion Cards
Fishbowl Activity Guide
Teacher-Led Script
Conflict Resolution Exit Ticket
Teacher Prep
Print and cut out all Conflict Discussion Cards .
Prepare the Restorative Toolbox Slide Deck on the projector.
Arrange chairs: create an inner circle (4-6 seats) and an outer circle.
Review terms: de-escalation, compromise, restorative practices .
Lesson Flow
5m min
Warm-Up Question
Students reflect on "Is conflict good, bad, or both?" Share with partners then whole-group.
5m min
Vocabulary Check-In
Define key terms using the Slide Deck. Elicit student examples for each strategy.
20m min
Fishbowl Discussion
Inner circle role-plays scenarios using Conflict Cards. Outer circle observes and coaches.
10m min
Guided Debrief
Whole-class discussion on strategy effectiveness and equitable outcomes.
5m min
Closing & Exit Ticket
Reflection quote and commitment to one restorative action this week.
Restorative Toolbox Slides Conflict Resolution Workshop
Flip the
Friction
Tools for a Restorative Community
Objectives & Terms
Today's Goal
Discuss conflict scenarios using at least two strategies to reach an equitable resolution.
De-escalation Calming tension through tone and listening.
Perspective-Taking Seeing a situation from another’s viewpoint.
Compromise Finding middle ground that meets both needs.
Restorative Practices Repairing harm by involving those affected.
Strategy 1: De-escalation
THE CHILL FACTOR
Definition: Reducing intensity through calm language, steady tone, and nonverbal cues to lower tension.
Voice
Low, steady tone. No yelling back.
Language
Use "I" statements to express feelings without blame.
Space
Give them room to speak without interruption.
Strategy 2: Perspective-Taking
2
Step into their shoes. Actively consider their feelings and motivations—even if you disagree.
"It sounds like you're worried about X..."
"I can see why you'd be upset about that."
Strategy 3: Compromise
Meeting in the middle. Both parties make concessions to find an agreement that values everyone.
Not just 50/50
It's about finding a solution where both sides feel their most important needs are met.
Quick Example
"We both want to present first. How about you do the Intro and I do the Conclusion, then we present together in the middle?"
Result: Shared responsibility + fair time.
Strategy 4: Restorative Practices
Focus on repairing harm and strengthening relationships rather than just punishment.
01
What happened?
Facts without judgment.
02
Who was affected?
Acknowledge the impact.
03
How do we fix it?
Collaborative solutions.
Fishbowl Role-Play
Inner Circle
Role-play a scenario
Apply 2+ strategies
Reach a resolution
Outer Circle
Observe silently
Note effective moves
Give 1 "Growth Point"
TIME PER ROUND: 5 MINUTES
“Friction can polish,
Which tool will you try next time someone disagrees with you?
Flip the Friction Teacher Script Flip the Friction
Teacher Facilitation Script
Part 1
Introduction & Warm-Up (5 min)
[Say to class]
"Good morning, everyone! Today, we're diving into a topic that affects all of us: conflict. I want you to think for a moment: Is conflict good, bad, or both? And why? "
(Pause for 30 seconds of silent reflection. Then signal students to turn to a partner.)
"Turn to a partner and share your thoughts for a minute each. I'll ask a few pairs to share with the whole class."
(Invite 2-3 pairs to share their reasoning.)
"Thank you for those insightful shares! It sounds like many of you recognize that conflict isn't always negative; it can be an opportunity for growth."
Part 2
Vocabulary Check-In (5 min)
[Display Slides 2-6]
"Before we go further, let's make sure we're all on the same page with some key terms. On the screen, you'll see a few words: de-escalation, perspective-taking, compromise, and restorative practices ."
"Can anyone offer a quick definition or an example for de-escalation? ... How about perspective-taking? ... Compromise? ... And finally, restorative practices? Don't worry if you're not an expert; we're here to learn together!"
(Encourage student responses. Fill in gaps using definitions on slides.)
"Excellent! It's important that we have a shared understanding of these tools, as we'll be using them throughout our activity today."
Part 3
Fishbowl Activity (20 min)
"Now for our main event: the Fishbowl Discussion ! We're going to set up our chairs in two circles. I need 4-6 volunteers for the inner circle, who will lead our discussions. The rest of you will form the outer circle, becoming our keen observers and coaches."
"Inner circle, you'll pick a scenario card and discuss the conflict. Your mission is to analyze the situation and apply at least two strategies from our Restorative Toolbox to navigate the disagreement."
"Outer circle, your job is to observe silently. Pay close attention to how these strategies are discussed and applied. You'll submit one written 'strategy highlight' and one 'growth suggestion' after each round. Let's get into position!"
(Facilitate Round 1, then Round 2, allowing for short coaching breaks as outlined in the Activity Guide.)
Part 4
Guided Debrief (10 min)
"Alright, let's bring it back together as a whole group. That was fantastic work everyone. Now, let's reflect on what we just experienced. I have a few questions for us:"
Conflict Discussion Cards Scenario 1
The Missed Deadline
Prompt: Alex forgot to submit their portion of a group project on time, jeopardizing the whole group’s grade. Jordan, the team leader, confronts Alex before class. Jordan is visibly angry.
Key Strategies
De-escalation Perspective-Taking
Discussion Starters
• How can Alex respond without getting defensive?
• What might be Alex's reason for the delay?
• How can Jordan express anger constructively?
Scenario 2
The Social Media Slam
Prompt: Sam saw a post by Riley that felt like a direct insult to Sam's outfit yesterday. Sam confronts Riley in the hallway, surrounded by friends who are watching.
Key Strategies
Restorative Practices De-escalation
Discussion Starters
• How can they move this talk to a private space?
• How can Sam explain the impact of the post?
• What would "repairing the harm" look like here?
Scenario 3
The Practice Rivalry
Prompt: Two athletes, Casey and Quinn, are competing for the same starting spot. During practice, Quinn makes a hard play that Casey thinks was intentionally dangerous. The coach is watching.
Key Strategies
Compromise Perspective-Taking
Discussion Starters
• How can they focus on the team's goal instead of rivalry?
• What was Quinn's intent vs. the impact on Casey?
• How can they agree to compete fairly?
Scenario 4
The Lunch Seat Shift
Prompt: Taylor arrives at the usual lunch table to find someone new sitting in "their" spot. Their regular friend group is laughing with the newcomer. Taylor feels pushed out and ignored.
Key Strategies
Perspective-Taking Compromise
Discussion Starters
• Is there an assumption that Taylor is being pushed out?
• How can Taylor join the conversation without hostility?
• What's a middle-ground solution for the seating?
Fishbowl Activity Guide Fishbowl Discussion Activity
Interactive Conflict Resolution Simulation
Setup
Arrange 4–6 chairs in an inner circle for discussants.
Create an outer circle for observers/coaches.
Place a timer/stopwatch where everyone can see it.
Provide observation sheets to all outer-circle students.
Timing Guidelines (20 min)
<table class="w-full text-sm"><tbody><tr class="border-b border-indigo-200"><td class="py-2 font-bold text-indigo-600">2 min</td><td class="py-2">Instructions & Setup</td></tr><tr class="border-b border-indigo-200"><td class="py-2 font-bold text-indigo-600">5 min</td><td class="py-2">Round 1 Discussion</td></tr><tr class="border-b border-indigo-200"><td class="py-2 font-bold text-indigo-600">2 min</td><td class="py-2">Round 1 Coaching Break</td></tr><tr class="border-b border-indigo-200"><td class="py-2 font-bold text-indigo-600">6 min</td><td class="py-2">Round 2 Discussion (Swap roles)</td></tr><tr class="py-2"><td class="py-2 font-bold text-indigo-600">5 min</td><td class="py-2">Final Processing & Feedback</td></tr></tbody></table>
Role: Inner Circle (Discussants)
Responsibilities:
Draw a scenario card and discuss the conflict prompt together.
Focus on applying at least two strategies from the Restorative Toolbox.
Engage in thoughtful dialogue until the timer signals the end of the round.
Maintain respectful body language and eye contact with other discussants.
Role: Outer Circle (Observers/Coaches)
Responsibilities:
Remain silent during the discussion; no sidebar conversations.
Use nonverbal cues (e.g., raise hand) if discussants need a time check.
Complete the observation sheet for each strategy you witness.
Provide 1–2 clear, constructive coaching points after each round.
Coaching Focus Areas
De-escalation
Did they lower their voices? Did they avoid blame?
Perspective-Taking
Did they use phrases like "I see where you're coming from"?
Compromise
Did they offer a middle-ground solution that felt fair?
Restorative Practice
Did they identify who was hurt and how to fix it?
Fishbowl Observation Sheet Fishbowl Observation Sheet
Conflict Resolution Lab
Student Name: _______________________
Date: _______________________
1
Round 1 Observation
Strategies Observed (Check all that apply):
De-escalation
Perspective-Taking
Compromise
Restorative Practice
Scenario Topic:
Evidence of Success: (What specific words or actions worked?)
Growth Point: (What could have been handled more effectively?)
2
Round 2 Observation
Strategies Observed:
De-escalation
Perspective-Taking
Compromise
Restorative Practice
Scenario Topic:
Evidence of Success:
Growth Point:
Conflict Resolution Exit Ticket Exit Ticket
Flip the Friction
Name:
Date:
1 Which conflict-resolution strategy from today’s lesson (de-escalation, perspective-taking, compromise, or restorative practices) do you think is most effective? Why?
2 Describe a real-life situation (in school, at home, or with friends) where you could apply one of these strategies. What would you do differently?
3 During the fishbowl role-play, what did you notice about your own communication style? What is one strength you observed and one area for growth?
4 What is one specific action you will commit to practicing this week to turn friction into constructive dialogue? (Be as concrete as possible.)
End of Lesson Reflection
