Solving Squad Lesson Plan Solving Squad
Conflict Codes: Lesson Plan
Target Audience
3rd Grade Boys
Time
30 Minutes
Level
Tier 2 Intervention
Format
Small Group
Mission Objective
"Students will learn to identify common conflict scenarios and practice using 'I statements' and compromise to resolve disagreements, leading to more positive interactions and stronger friendships."
Gear Checklist
Conflict Codes Slide Deck
Conflict Cards (Printed & Cut)
Resolution Rhymes Script
Exit Tickets (Cool Down sheet)
Prep Orders
Prep Time: 10 Minutes
Review Slides for flow.
Prepare role-play space.
Ensure a small-group feel.
Mission Timeline
05m
Warm-Up: What's the Beef?
Begin by asking students to share (without naming names) a time they had a small disagreement. Emphasize that disagreements are normal parts of life. Define "conflict" as simply having different ideas or wants.
10m
The Conflict Toolkit
Use the Slide Deck to introduce the three major tools: "I Statements" (speaking up without blame), Compromise (the win-win), and the S.T.O.P. code for cooling down intense emotions.
10m
Squad Missions (Practice)
Break into small pairs or keep as a whole group. Distribute Conflict Cards . Students must apply the tools to resolve the scenario provided. Encourage acting out the dialogue.
05m
Debrief & Cool Down
Conclude with the Cool Down exit ticket. Review the S.T.O.P. acronym together one last time. Remind them they are now "Solving Squad" experts.
Conflict Codes Slides Solving Squad
Conflict Codes
Ready to unlock solutions?
Mission: Resolution
What's a Conflict?
It's when people have different ideas, opinions, or wants.
Guess what? It's totally normal!
Why Bother Solving?
Better Friendships: No more silent treatments!
Happier Days: Less stress, more fun!
Peaceful Learning: Focus on school!
Feeling Heard: Everyone gets a turn.
TOOL #1
"I Statements"
Speak up for yourself without blaming others.
The Formula
"I feel [feeling] when [the problem]."
Don't say:
"You always hog the ball!"
Do say:
"I feel frustrated when I don't get a turn with the ball."
TOOL #2
Let's Compromise!
Finding a WIN-WIN!
Everyone gives a little to get a little.
Meeting in the middle
Example Mission
You want TAG, friend wants TO READ.
"Tag for 10 minutes, then Reading for 10 minutes!"
The Conflict Code: S.T.O.P.
S
STOP
Cool down. Take a breath.
T
THINK
What do you feel and need?
O
OPTIONS
What ways can we solve this?
P
PICK
Choose the best one and try it!
Practice Makes Perfect!
We're going to practice using our new conflict codes with some real-life Missions.
Get Ready for Activity!
Status: Expert
You're a Solving Squad Expert!
I Statements
Compromise
S.T.O.P.
"You've got the power to resolve it!"
Resolution Rhymes Script Solving Squad
Mission Script: Resolution Rhymes
Security Clearance
Level: Teacher/Facilitator
SAY: Scripted dialogue
DO: Facilitator actions
ASK: Student discussion
Slide 1
Introduction: Mission Start
"Welcome, Solving Squad! Today we're going to become experts at solving tricky situations. Before we dive in, can anyone share a time—without naming names—that they had a small disagreement with a friend or sibling? How did it make you feel?"
Allow students to share. Affirm that disagreements are normal parts of life. Teacher: "Exactly! Disagreements happen to everyone. It's how we handle them that makes all the difference."
Slides 2-3
The "What" and "Why"
"A conflict is simply when people have different ideas, opinions, or want different things. It doesn't mean anyone is bad. Why do you think it's important to solve conflicts instead of just ignoring them?"
Guide them toward: Better friendships , happier days , and feeling heard .
Slide 4
Tool #1: "I Statements"
"Our first tool is the 'I Statement'. This is how you tell someone how you feel without blaming them. Look at the example: Instead of 'You always hog the ball!', we say, 'I feel frustrated when I don't get a turn.'"
Practice Scenario: Imagine your friend bumps into you and spills your water. How could you use an 'I statement' without yelling?
Slide 5
Tool #2: Compromise
"Compromise is the win-win. Everyone gives a little to get a little. If you want to play tag and your friend wants to read, we find the middle ground."
Slide 6
The S.T.O.P. Code
"When things get heated, use the S.T.O.P. code:"
S: STOP and cool down. Breath.
T: THINK about what you need and feel.
O: OPTIONS. Brainstorm solutions.
P: PICK the best option and try it!
Slides 7-8
Practice & Closing
Pass out the Conflict Cards . Guide groups as they role-play. Close by reminding them they are now Squad Experts.
"What was one thing you learned today that you can use this week?"
Conflict Cards Activity Solving Squad: Conflict Cards
Active Missions: Use your Conflict Codes to solve the following situations.
Mission 01
Controller Calamity
You and your friend both want to play the video game, but there's only one controller. You both grab for it at the same time!
I Statement:
Compromise:
S.T.O.P. Step:
Mission 02
Playground Struggle
During recess, you want to play soccer, but your friends insist on playing tag. You feel left out and frustrated.
I Statement:
Compromise:
S.T.O.P. Step:
Mission 03
Art Supply Argument
You are working on art, and your classmate takes the last blue crayon without asking, which you needed for your sky.
I Statement:
Compromise:
S.T.O.P. Step:
Mission 04
Loud Lunch Table
At lunch, boys at your table are being very loud and disruptive, making it hard for you to hear your friend talking.
I Statement:
Solution/Compromise:
S.T.O.P. Step:
Cut along dotted lines for squad distribution
Conflict Cool Down Exit Ticket Mission Log
Conflict Cool Down
Agent Name:
Date:
1
Post-Mission Reflection
What is one thing you learned today about solving conflicts that you will try to use this week?
2
Code Verification
In our S.T.O.P. Conflict Code, what does the "P" stand for?
Squad Certified
