Peace Pilots Teacher Guide Peace Pilots
Mini-Lesson Guide: Conflict Resolution
Time: 15 Min
4th Grade
Objective
Students will learn to use "I-Statements" to express feelings and needs during a conflict without blaming others.
0-5 Minutes: The Blame Trap
Ask: "What happens when we start a sentence with 'YOU always...' during a fight?" (Defensiveness). Explain that "Peace Pilots" steer the conversation away from the "Blame Storm" by using I-Statements .
5-10 Minutes: The Peace Bridge
Introduce the formula:
"I feel..."
(Emotion)
"When..."
(Action)
"I need..."
(Solution)
"I feel frustrated when you take my pencil. I need you to ask first."
10-15 Minutes: Practice
Distribute the Peace Pilots Worksheet . Have students quickly fill out the first scenario, then share one I-Statement with a neighbor. Wrap up by reminding them that Pilots stay in control of their own feelings.
Teacher Tips
Watch for "Fake I-Statements" (e.g., "I feel like YOU are being mean").
Encourage specific feelings like ignored , confused , or overwhelmed .
Remind students that tone of voice is just as important as the words!
Peace Pilots Worksheet PEACE PILOTS
MISSION: CONFLICT RESOLUTION PILOT LEVEL: 04
Pilot Name:
Date:
"I feel..."
(Emotion)
"When..."
(Action)
"I need..."
(Solution)
Flight Maneuvers: Practice Your Words
1. Someone cuts in front of you in the lunch line.
I feel
when
I need
2. A friend laughs when you get an answer wrong.
I feel
when
I need
Pilot's Reflection Log:
Why is it better to use "I feel" instead of saying "You are being mean"?
Fly Smoothly · Speak Kindly
Switching Shoes Teacher Guide Switching Shoes
Mini-Lesson Guide: Empathy
Time: 15 Min
4th Grade
Objective
Students will recognize that the same event can be experienced differently by two people and practice seeing situations from another point of view.
0-5 Minutes: Two Sides of a Coin
Hold up an object that looks different from two sides. Show different sides to different students. Ask: "Who is right about what I'm holding?" Explain that Empathy is walking around the table to see what the other person sees.
5-10 Minutes: Scenario Spotlight
"Leo bumped into Maya running to the last swing. Leo was excited and didn't notice; Maya felt like Leo was being a mean bully."
Discuss: What was in Leo's head? What was in Maya's head? How are they both "right" in their feelings?
10-15 Minutes: Perspective Glasses
Distribute the Perspective Glasses Worksheet . Students identify two different views of a shared accident. Ask: "How does knowing the other side change how we react?"
Teacher Tips
Empathy isn't about agreeing; it's about understanding .
Help students look for clues: facial expressions, body language, and context.
Use the phrase: "What else could be true?" to spark perspective taking.
Perspective Glasses Worksheet Perspective Glasses
MISSION: EMPATHY PRACTICE
Observer:
Date:
THE CASE:
Sam spent all morning on a drawing. During recess, Taylor accidentally spilled water, ruining Sam's work. Sam yelled, "You did that on purpose!" Taylor started crying and ran away.
Through Sam's Eyes
What are they thinking/feeling?
Through Taylor's Eyes
What are they thinking/feeling?
The Empathy Bridge
If they "switched shoes" and saw what really happened, what could they say?
Sam could say:
Taylor could say:
Seeing both sides clearly
Calm Commanders Teacher Guide Calm Commanders
Mini-Lesson Guide: Anxiety & Self-Reg
Time: 15 Min
4th Grade
Objective
Students will identify physical signs of anxiety and learn the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique to use when they feel overwhelmed.
0-5 Minutes: Warning Signals
Ask: "What does your body do when you feel worried?" (Sweaty palms, butterflies, racing heart). Explain these are signals from our "Security Guard" brain. We need to ground ourselves to tell the brain we are safe.
5-10 Minutes: Mission 5-4-3-2-1
Practice together:
5 SEE
4 TOUCH
3 HEAR
2 SMELL
1 TASTE
"Grounding brings your brain back to the present moment."
10-15 Minutes: Calm Command Center
Distribute the Calm Commanders Worksheet . Students identify their unique warning signs and practice listing things for their grounding mission. Wrap up: "You are the commander of your calm."
Teacher Tips
Normalize anxiety—everyone feels it! The goal is management, not removal.
Practice grounding while students are calm so they can use it later.
Check for physical "anchors" (feet flat on floor, hands in lap) during the activity.
Calm Commanders Worksheet COMMAND CENTER
MISSION: PERSONAL CALM
Commander:
Date:
My Early Warning Signals
Racing Heart
Butterflies
Sweaty Hands
Tight Body
Fidgeting
Hot Face
The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Mission
5 SEE (List 5)
4 TOUCH (List 4)
3 HEAR (List 3)
2 SMELL
1 TASTE
Slow down and notice what is happening right now.
My First Step:
My Power Phrase:
Anchored · Ready · Balanced