1. Think of doing conflict resolution lessons and interventions for the whole class or groups

2. Strategies (included below) can be taught to individual students, small group, or whole class

3. Should be taught and revisited on a regular basis and include role playing to practice the skills

4. When students fail to use the taught skills, have them reflect on how they could have handled the situation or conflict and model the process

5. Model proper conflict resolution skills for your kids with any opportunity you get, and point out to the students afterward how you used the skills

Teaching Six (6) Skill Steps to Resolve Conflicts

STEP #1: Cool Off

• Give students time to calm down – guide them to use calming strategies where needed e.g. take deep breaths, box breathing etc.

STEP #2: Share, Listen, Check

• Guide students to share and listen to each other in a respectful manner.

• Then check if they have understood the other person’s point of view.

• Tips for effective communication

 Use ‘I statements’

> e.g. I feel sad when you don’t let me play because I am alone

Show reflective listening and paraphrasing when checking for understanding  

> e.g. I think I heard you say you feel… 

> e.g So, you want me to try to … next time.

STEP #3: Take Responsibility

• Facilitate students’ ownership of their own actions

• Prompt them by asking open-ended questions

> e.g. What could you have done differently to change what happened?

STEP #4: Brainstorm Solutions

• Work together to seek a compromise and find win-win solutions

• The teacher could provide some suggestions to start the discussion but it is best if the ideas come from the students themselves

STEP #5: Choose a Solution

• Get students to look through the list of solutions and filter out options that work best for them in addressing any future conflicts

STEP #6: Affirm, Forgive or Thank

• Close the discussion by acknowledging what happened and forgiving (if warranted)

• Facilitate them to give appreciation to each other for working on the solution together

Useful Links:

• Bully-Free Programme @ Children’s Society (bullyfree.sg)

• Bullying Intervention Strategies That Work | Education World

• Bullying : Time To Think Reflection Sheet for Lower Primary

• Bullying : Time To Think Reflection Sheet for Upper Primary