Identifying and Resolving Conflicts

Overview

This 40-minute lesson, designed for mixed KS1 and KS2 students (ages 5–11), is the third in a four-lesson unit on Building Inclusive Communities. It focuses on identifying everyday conflicts in a school or community setting and introduces effective conflict resolution strategies like active listening and compromise. The lesson is directly aligned with the Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education section of the National Curriculum for England.

National Curriculum Links

KS1 (Ages 5-7)

PSHE Education:
- Relationships strand: Understand how to listen carefully and sensitively to others.
- Recognise different feelings and respond in an appropriate way (DfE PSHE Association Programme of Study, Years 1 and 2).

KS2 (Ages 7-11)

PSHE Education:
- Relationships strand:
  - Understand the skills of friendship, including strategies for resolving conflict.
  - Develop empathy through recognising others’ feelings and perspectives (DfE PSHE Association Programme of Study, Years 3 to 6).

Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils will:

Identify common conflicts that occur within a school or local community.
Explain key conflict resolution strategies: active listening and compromise.
Demonstrate conflict resolution through role-play and peer discussions.
Reflect on how resolving conflict contributes to building an inclusive environment.

Resources Needed

Scenario cards illustrating typical community conflicts (age-appropriate).
‘Feelings’ flashcards (showing emotions like anger, sadness, happiness).
Whiteboard and markers.
Space for role-play activities.
Reflection sheets for assessment.

Lesson Structure

1. Introduction (5 minutes)

Engage: Begin with a simple question to the class: “Has anyone ever had a disagreement or argument with a friend or family member? What happened?”
Record a few responses on the whiteboard, highlighting different types of conflicts (e.g., sharing toys, taking turns, misunderstandings).
Briefly explain that today’s lesson is about understanding conflicts and learning how to solve them kindly so everyone feels okay.

2. Explore: Identifying Conflicts (8 minutes)

Present 4-5 conflict scenario cards one by one (e.g., two children want the same ball, someone is left out of a game).
In small mixed-age pairs (one KS1 paired with one KS2 student), discuss and identify what the conflict is.
Bring the class back together and ask volunteers to share their thoughts.
Use feelings flashcards to discuss how each person in the scenario might feel.

3. Explain: Conflict Resolution Strategies (7 minutes)

Introduce two key strategies:
- Active Listening: Paying full attention to the speaker, showing you care, using phrases like “I hear you” or “I understand.”
- Compromise: Finding a solution where everyone gives a little to agree on something that works for all.
Use simple explanations, examples, and demonstrate a quick dialogue modelling active listening and a compromise.

4. Practise: Role-Play Activity (15 minutes)

Assign pairs/groups of three pupils different conflict scenarios (pre-prepared or develop new ones with the class).
Each group acts out:
1. The conflict problem.
2. Using active listening to hear each other out.
3. Finding a compromise solution.
Teachers and teaching assistants circulate to coach and prompt where needed.
After each role-play, encourage the whole class to reflect: How did both people feel before and after? Was the conflict resolved?

5. Reflect and Assess (5 minutes)

Hand out simple reflection sheets with these prompts:
- What did I learn about solving conflicts?
- Which strategy do I think works best? Why?
Invite pupils to share their answers verbally or write/draw (KS1 may draw).
Conclude by reminding students that resolving conflicts helps make our community a happier and more inclusive place.

Assessment Opportunities

Observe pupil participation and understanding during paired/group discussions and role-plays.
Review reflection sheets for evidence of comprehension of conflict resolution strategies.
Use questioning to assess pupils’ ability to identify conflicts and suggest solutions.

Differentiation

KS1 pupils will focus on recognising emotions and basic listening skills.
KS2 pupils will engage more deeply with strategies and develop language for giving and accepting compromise.
Use visuals and prompts for pupils who need support with vocabulary or expression.

Extension Ideas

Create a ‘Conflict Resolution Charter’ as a class to display in the classroom, summarising agreed strategies.
Encourage pupils to reflect on conflicts they might resolve at home or outside school and report back next lesson.

WOW Factor

Innovative Peer Pairing: Mixed KS1-KS2 pairs promote mentorship and enrich learning through peer modelling.
Interactive Emotional Intelligence Focus: Using feelings flashcards and role-play immerses pupils in empathetic understanding.
Student-Led Charter Creation: Promotes ownership and deepens understanding of an inclusive community’s values.

This lesson situates conflict resolution as a vital life skill, supporting the development of respectful and inclusive communities in line with the National Curriculum for England.