RATIONALE

In today's society there is a preponderance of violence in every media form. The schools are now feeling the effects of this violence. Examining the gang problem, the breakdown of the family structure and an overall insensitivity to violence makes it very evident that students must be equipped with proper tools for handling conflicts in an appropriate manner.

I am making four lessons available on conflict resolution/problem solving, the lessons may be adapted to a variety of grade levels. I have taught several grades, currently I teach a fifth grade Developmentally Handicapped class. Your student will be able to resolve conflicts by observing, listening, role playing, reading, writing and thinking. The lesson plans provide students with some ideas and activities that focus on conflict resolution/problem solving.

Lesson One:

Improve self-esteem to build positive social interaction


Objectives:
  1. The students will be able to identify ways to build self-esteem.
  2. The students will be able to utilize self-esteem builders.
Materials: 'Cinderella' storybook, chalk, chalkboard, pencils and paper.
In this lesson, the students will share things they do to feel good about themselves. Teacher questions students about bad feelings and good feelings. Where do they come from? What makes them start? Let students write down three good feelings and three bad feelings.
The teacher will read the story of "Cinderella." Discuss with the class how she was treated by her step-mother and step-sisters. Let the children discuss how she worked hard and the reward she got in the end. Bring out ideas of positive and negative interactions with her family and the prince. Further, discuss how simple items that she valued helped her when she went to the 'Ball' i.e. the mice became horses, the pumpkin became the coach. Correlate the possible family pet and younger siblings being a good friend.

Let students write their own "Cinderella" story. How would it begin? Examples: "Somewhere in the 21st century. . . " or "Thrice after a millenium. . ." What happens in your home that you would like to change? Examples: "I always have to wash dishes and clean the kitchen." "I babysit everyday for my bad brother and sister." What can you do to change it? "Try being nice to siblings and play games they like." "Let another member of the family take turns with you when dishes need to be washed." After stories are complete the students may share them or keep them private. Suggest that the students type the stories and print them on the computer. Acting out (role playing) the stories would work great for self-esteem building. (A twice weekly theater activity might be an alternative, too. Students use their stories as the script.)

Lesson Two:

Vocabulary Words for Conflict Resolution


Objectives:
  1. The students will be able to identify and learn vocabulary words, relating to conflict resolution. The students will be able to correctly use the vocabulary words in sentences.

(There is an activity 'Web page' that correlates with this lesson plan.)

Vocabulary words: resolve, conflicts, positive, negative, compromise, nonviolent, respect, cooperation, avoid, responsibility, consequences, arguing, appropriate, and inappropriate.

Materials: Chalkboard, chalk, pencil, sentence strips with vocabulary words and definitions. Web page with activities or worksheet directed by teacher.

1. The teacher would begin the lesson by saying,'What happens when friends argue.' "Is it ever right to argue?"

2. Teacher reads the following story to the class: Vanessa and Melanie are friends. They argue however, over certain things. "I am sick and tired of your name-calling, Vanessa," said Melanie. "Well I am fed-up with your whining and complaining," said Vanessa. "When I knock you on the floor I bet you won't be tired," said Melanie. "You and what army," said Vanessa. "What kind of friend are you talking like that to me," said Melanie. The girls walk away mad. Later, they call each other and apologize. They do their homework over the telephone and promise never to be stubborn again. They also promise never to fight again

3. The teacher may ask the students, "What must we do in order to understand what we have read?" The response should be, "Learn the hard words."

4. Verbally pronounce the vocabulary words and have the students repeat after you. Begin to discuss the meanings of the words. Ask the students to use the words in sentences.
5. Write the definitions on sentence strips and let the students come to the board and match the definitions to the words. (Check Web page 2.)
6. The teacher could let the students form groups of three and write at least two sentences using the vocabulary words.
Assessment: Observe performance in class participation with the matching word to definition activity. Assess verbal completion of sentences and group participation. If the students work on-line, check their work or let them copy it on paper and turn it in.

Back to the Beginning

Activities #1 and 2

Problem Solving Scenarios

Internet Activities

Other resources