Ms. Walker's Classroom Comfort with Conflict Resolution
LESSON THREE
ARGUING ALLEN, THE ALLIGATOR
Avoid Arguing with Others
Conflict Management
Objectives:
- To help students recognize the negative effects of arguing.
- Students will be able to find positive ways to deal with arguments once they occur.
Materials: Chalkboard, chalk, pencil, crayons and the "Arguing Allen, The Alligator" worksheet, or an on-line computer.
1. Write the words, "Arguing Allen, The Alligator" on the chalkboard. Tell the class that you are going to read a poem about an alligator. Read the poem. Begin the discussion by asking the question, "What is arguing?" Continue with the following questions: What did Allen, do to his friend Jim? Why did Allen speak loudly? How did Allen hurt with words?
2. Ask students the following questions:
- Why do you think the alligator was arguing?
- What is name-calling?
- How can name-calling hurt us?
- Did anyone ever call you a bad name?
- How did you feel? What did you do? Could you have done something different?
- How can you stop name-calling in your class?
3. Write these constructive ways to avoid arguing on the board and discuss:
- USE SELF-CONTROL
- TALK SOFTLY
- SAY SOMETHING NICE (Compliment)
- WALK AWAY
4. Have volunteers role-play the different ways to deal with name-calling. The teacher plays the role of name-caller (to avoid real conflict), being careful with the severity of the words used.
5. Discuss what compliments are. Ask students for examples and list them on the chalkboard.
6. Distribute the worksheet and complete it together. (If on-line computer is available the students may complete the worksheet on-line.)
7. Culminate the lesson by asking students to discuss:
- How can name-calling lead to fights?
- How can fights be stopped?
- How does fighting cause more problems?
The scenario's on Web page three (click below) are great for discussion starters. Use them in any way that may help your class.
Use Web page URL's for ex-President Carter's 'The Carter Center,' Australia's 'The Gen' publication and Martin Luther King Jr.'s audio speeches. Use these as a springboard for exciting conversation. Print the information if you do not have the computer readily available.
Activities #1 and 2
Scenarios for 'Conflict Resolution'
Internet Activities
Other resources
Back to the Beginning
Comments, questions or if advice is needed please email me. b.a.walker@csu.ohio.edu