5th grade classroom lesson CONFLICT 5th grade classroom lesson

What is Conflict?

Definitions of Conflict A struggle or clash between opposing forces. Incompatibility or interference, as of one idea, desire, event, or activity with another. Mental struggle resulting from incompatible or opposing needs, drives, wishes, or external or internal demands.

Examples of Conflict Is conflict good or bad?

The way we perceive and handle conflict is what makes conflict positive or negative. Conflict is NEUTRAL

Conflict Resolution Style

The Owl - Collaboration Explore issues to find solution for everyone Gather information and keeps talking Sees both sides of the conflict The Teddy Bear - Accommodation Meet expectations of others Accommodate wishes of family & friends May not get what I want but keep the peace The Shark - Competition Argue my point of view Enjoy the battle of wits Figure out what needs to be done and I am right The Fox - Compromise Negotiate, give and take approach Compromise and move on Meet people halfway The Turtle - Avoidance Say very little, leave ASAP Feel uncomfortable & anxious Keep disagreements to myself

The Owl: collaboration style The strength of this style is integrity. Owls can build trust, respect and deeper relationship. They are not tied to their way and tend to have an open mind for pragmatic solutions that create a win-win experience. The struggle is that owls must have two willing parties to collaborate. These parties must have high levels of communication skills and emotional intelligence. Some conflicts require quick solutions and this style may take too long.

The Shark: competition style The strength of this style is the ability to be strong, courageous, and bring a conflict out in the open quickly. A shark is a leader that can confront bullies. The struggles are becoming too pushy, tactless, and hurting peoples’ feelings. Sharks can escalate emotions and create barriers easily.

The Turtle: avoidance style The strength of this style is that this person can easily look past conflicts and realizes most conflicts will solve themselves. They are calm on the outside and help de-escalate emotions in conflict. The struggle with this style is the tendency to minimize, deny, and avoid conflict altogether. Major conflict tends to grow worse when it isn’t addressed.

The Teddy Bear: accommodation style The strength of this style is how likeable and lovable this person is in most situations. How could you be mad at them? They want and need harmony. They will accept blame just to bring peace to angry situations. The struggle of this style is that a teddy bear may be taken advantage of, becoming a doormat. The can enable others by not allowing them to face and wrestle with conflict. Secretly, they tend to have a low self-esteem and use likability from others as a way to build their own self-confidence.

The Fox: compromise style Their strength is communication and a willingness to find win-win or lose-lose compromises. Often the fox is able to craft intelligent intermediate solutions. The struggles are deceptiveness and manipulation. People may feel “outfoxed” and cheated by foxes.

Fairy Tales are Loaded with Conflict. Think about it: You have Goldilocks breaking into the bears’ house, the Big Bad Wolf destroying the pigs’ property, and Cinderella being treated unfairly by her stepmother. It’s about time that someone helps these characters resolve their conflicts in a healthier way!