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4.1 Watch and Learn: Part 1

Items Needed: 

Set the Stage:

Explain to students that part of creating a positive classroom community is being able to resolve the conflicts that inevitably arise.

Introduce everyday conflicts.

Explain that everyone has a different idea of what conflict is, and ask students what they consider as conflict.

  • Conflicts can be arguments, disagreements, physical fights.

Ask the class for examples of conflicts they have seen in their daily lives, and write them on the board.

  • Examples include arguing with a sibling over sharing, not wanting a friend to borrow an item, getting upset if someone talks behind my back, disagreeing about where the ball landed in Four Square, fighting with someone who has been bullying my friend.

Discuss how conflict is a big part of life. Conflict is fairly common, necessary, and can even be positive.

  • Conflict helps us realize something needs to change or that someone isn’t happy with a particular situation; it can bring people closer together when resolved; it gives people the opportunity to share their feelings.

Ask students for examples of the different ways their friends, parents, teachers, coaches, siblings, and grandparents handle conflict.

  • People may ignore it, yell and get upset, express themselves calmly, listen well, have a difficult time compromising.

Discuss how our attitudes and reactions to conflict can be either helpful or hurtful.

 

Activity: 

Discuss the first of three conflict styles—the Turtle (Conflict Avoider).

What are some characteristics of a turtle?

  • It is slow, doesn’t want any problems, hides when scared.

How would a turtle resolve conflict?

  • It would hide or avoid conflict.

Discuss the second conflict style—the Owl (Solution Finder).

What are some characteristics of an owl?

  • It’s studious, careful, a thinker, smart, a problem-solver.

How would an owl resolve conflict?

  • It would think of different ways to solve a problem; it would be thoughtful and try to come up with a solution that helps everyone.

Discuss the third conflict style—the Shark (Conflict Controller).

What are some characteristics of a shark?

  • It’s forceful, domineering, scary, always tries to win.

How would a shark resolve conflict?

  • It would use physical force, take control of the situation, push to win the conflict.

 

Do your best to remember these terms. Next week we will be doing an activity with these definitions.