SEL: Conflict Resolution: Solving Problems Peacefully
Practice calming down, listening, and finding fair solutions
SEL: Conflict Resolution: Solving Problems Peacefully
Practice calming down, listening, and finding fair solutions
SEL - Grade 4-5
- 1
Maya and Jordan both want to use the same basketball at recess. Write one peaceful solution that could help both students feel respected.
Think about sharing, taking turns, or finding a way to include both people.
A peaceful solution is that Maya and Jordan could take turns using the basketball or play a game together. This helps both students share the equipment fairly. - 2
Rewrite this blaming statement as an I-statement: You always cut in front of me in line.
Use this pattern: I feel ___ when ___ because ___. Please ___.
An I-statement could be, I feel frustrated when I am cut in front of because I have been waiting too. Please go to the back of the line. - 3
Sam is angry because his partner erased part of their group poster. List two things Sam can do to calm down before speaking.
Sam can take deep breaths and count slowly to ten before speaking. He can also step back for a moment and ask for help if he still feels too upset. - 4
A friend says, I felt left out when you did not pick me for your team. Write an active listening response that shows you understand.
Start by repeating the main feeling and the reason for the feeling.
An active listening response could be, I hear that you felt left out when I did not pick you for the team. I am sorry that hurt your feelings. - 5
Put these conflict resolution steps in a helpful order: choose a fair solution, calm down, explain the problem, listen to each person, try the solution.
A helpful order is calm down, explain the problem, listen to each person, choose a fair solution, and try the solution. This order helps people think clearly before solving the problem. - 6
Two classmates disagree about which topic to choose for a science project. One wants volcanoes, and the other wants animals. Write a compromise they could try.
A compromise gives each person part of what they want.
They could compromise by choosing a topic that includes both interests, such as how volcanic habitats affect animals. They could also agree to choose one topic now and the other topic for a future project. - 7
Choose the response that would most likely make the conflict worse, and explain why: A. I need a minute to calm down. B. That was all your fault. C. Let us both explain what happened.
Response B would most likely make the conflict worse because it blames the other person and may make them defensive. A calmer response would focus on solving the problem. - 8
During a game, Leo says Ava cheated, but Ava says she did not understand the rules. Write one question Leo could ask to learn more before judging her.
Ask a question that is calm, respectful, and focused on understanding.
Leo could ask, Which rule were you unsure about during the game? This question helps him understand Ava's point of view before deciding what happened. - 9
Nia borrowed a marker and returned it with the cap missing. Write a responsible apology that includes a way to fix the problem.
Nia could say, I am sorry I returned your marker without the cap. I will look for the cap, and if I cannot find it, I will replace the marker. - 10
Draw or describe a win-win solution for this problem: Two students both want the same seat next to the window.
A win-win solution helps both people get something fair.
A win-win solution could be that the students switch seats halfway through the week. Another solution is that one student sits by the window today and the other sits there tomorrow. - 11
Identify the real problem in this situation: Chris grabbed the glue from Pat without asking. Pat yelled, Stop being rude. What problem needs to be solved?
The real problem is that Chris took the glue without asking and Pat felt disrespected. They need to solve how to share supplies and speak respectfully. - 12
Write a calm sentence Pat could use instead of yelling in the glue situation.
Use respectful words even when the feeling is strong.
Pat could say, I feel upset when you take the glue without asking because I am using it. Please ask before taking it next time. - 13
A group of four students must decide who will present each part of a project. One student keeps interrupting. Name one rule the group could use to make the discussion fair.
The group could use a rule that each person gets one turn to speak without interruptions. This makes the discussion fair and helps everyone be heard. - 14
Read the solution: We will flip a coin to decide who goes first, then we will switch after five minutes. Explain why this can be a fair solution in a conflict.
This can be fair because it uses a neutral way to decide who goes first and makes sure both people get a turn. The time limit also helps each person know what to expect. - 15
Think of a time a student might need help from an adult during a conflict. Describe the situation and explain why adult help would be useful.
Some conflicts can be solved by students, but unsafe or repeated problems need adult support.
A student might need adult help if someone is being threatened, bullied, or unable to calm down. Adult help would be useful because safety comes first and an adult can guide the students toward a respectful solution.