Peaceful Pals Slides
Peaceful Pals
Solving Problems with Kindness
What is a Problem?
When we feel upset or mad about something.
Like when two friends want the same toy!
Problems happen to everyone, and that's okay!
Is it a Bug or a Fire?
A "Bug"
A small problem that bugs you. You can try to solve it yourself!
- Someone is humming loudly.
- Someone took your spot in line.
A "Fire"
A big problem where someone is hurt or unsafe. Get a teacher!
- Someone fell and is crying.
- Someone is pushing or hitting.
Step 1: Stop & Breathe
Before we act, we freeze like a statue and take three big, slow breaths.
1
In...
2
Out...
3
Relax!
Step 2: Use Your Words
"I feel ______ when you ______.
Please stop."
Example 1:
"I feel sad when you take my toy. Please stop."
Example 2:
"I feel mad when you kick my chair. Please stop."
Step 3: Find a Way
Ask: "What can we do to make it better?"
Take Turns
Share
Say Sorry
Practice Time!
Let's try being Peaceful Pals together! Stand up and find a partner!
Problem Solvers Worksheet
Problem Solvers
I can be a Peaceful Pal!
Name:
Date:
1. Is it a Bug or a Fire?
Circle the Bug (a small problem you can solve).
Put an X on the Fire (a big problem—get a teacher!).
Someone is making
a loud noise.
A friend fell down
and is hurt.
2. The Peaceful Pal Choice
A friend is using the crayon you want. What should you do?
Circle the kind choice.
Grab it away
Ask to share
3. I am a Peaceful Pal!
Draw a picture of you being kind to a friend today.
Peaceful Pals Teacher Guide
Lesson Guide
Peaceful Pals: Conflict Resolution
Learning Objective
Students will identify the difference between a "Bug" (small problem) and a "Fire" (big problem) and apply the 3-step "Stop, Breathe, Talk" method to resolve a conflict.
Essential Question
How can I solve small problems with my friends using my words?
Materials
- Peaceful Pals Slides
- Problem Solvers Worksheet
- 2 Animal Puppets (Optional)
1. The Hook (5 mins)
Bring out two puppets (or use your hands). Puppet A is building a tall tower. Puppet B accidentally knocks it over. Puppet A starts to scream. Ask students: "Oh no! Is there a problem here? How do you think Puppet A feels? Is this a big 'fire' or a little 'bug'?"
2. Direct Instruction (10 mins)
Use the Peaceful Pals Slides to introduce the core concepts:
- Bugs vs. Fires: Explain that 'Bugs' are things we can try to fix ourselves. 'Fires' mean we need a grown-up right away.
- Step 1: Stop & Breathe: Practice the "3 Slow Breaths" together as a class.
- Step 2: Use Your Words: Teach the sentence starter: "I feel ___ when you ___. Please stop."
- Step 3: Find a Way: Brainstorm solutions like sharing or taking turns.
3. Role Play Practice (10 mins)
Try these scenarios with student volunteers:
"You both want the same sparkly sticker."
"Someone is standing too close to you in line."
"A friend won't let you join the block center."
"Someone is making faces at you."
4. Independent Practice (10 mins)
Distribute the Problem Solvers Worksheet. Guide students through the "Bug vs. Fire" section together, then allow them to color and draw their "Peaceful Pal" moment independently.
Pro-Tip for Kindergarten
Whenever you see a small conflict in the classroom during the week, pause and ask the students, "Is this a bug or a fire?" and help them use the sentence starter. Consistency is key!