Working with others

Conflict Resolution & Compromise

Disagreement is normal; how you handle it is a skill. Learners separate the problem from the person and look for the need underneath each position.

4 sessions · adapts to all four learner tiers (K–college)

Start session 1 Print a Rep Card

Core tool

The PAUSE method

Pause and breathe · Ask what happened from their side · Understand the need behind it · Share your side with an "I" statement · Explore options that meet both needs.

Before you start: quick self-check

Rate each line from 1 (not yet) to 5 (definitely) before session 1, then again after your Real-World Rep.

I can listen to someone I disagree with
I can find a compromise

The sessions

4 sessions, three beats each.

Every session runs Hook → Rep → Reflect, so learners know what to expect each time.

  1. Session 1

    Same Story, Two Sides

    Hook5–10 min

    Retell a short conflict from each person's view

    Rep10–30 min

    Rewrite a blame sentence ("You always…") as an "I" statement

    Reflect5–10 min

    Write one line on your Rep Card: what I tried, what happened, what I'll try next.

  2. Session 2

    Listen to Understand

    Hook5–10 min

    Game of telephone shows how messages get twisted

    Rep10–30 min

    Partner listening: repeat back what you heard before replying

    Reflect5–10 min

    Write one line on your Rep Card: what I tried, what happened, what I'll try next.

  3. Session 3

    Needs, Not Positions

    Hook5–10 min

    Two kids want the same orange: one wants juice, one wants the peel

    Rep10–30 min

    Identify the need behind three common arguments

    Reflect5–10 min

    Write one line on your Rep Card: what I tried, what happened, what I'll try next.

  4. Session 4

    Find the Middle

    Hook5–10 min

    Show a win-lose, a lose-lose and a win-win ending

    Rep10–30 min

    Role-play a conflict start to finish using PAUSE

    Reflect5–10 min

    Write one line on your Rep Card: what I tried, what happened, what I'll try next.

Real-World Rep

Use PAUSE in one real disagreement. Note which step was hardest.

By age

How it adapts for each learner tier.

K–5

Sprouts

20 min sessions

Puppet or picture-card role-plays about sharing, taking turns and being left out. "Peace Path" floor mat walked step by step.

6–8

Builders

30 min sessions

Group-chat and lunch-table scenarios, including online misunderstandings. Practice a respectful "can we talk?" opener.

9–12

Launchers

40 min sessions

Team-project free-rider, sibling curfew fight, sports playing-time dispute. Students negotiate a written compromise.

College

Leaders

50 min or self-paced sessions

Roommate agreement lab: pairs draft a shared-living agreement (noise, guests, cleaning). Plus a workplace scenario with a coworker who missed their part.

For teachers & facilitators

This course practices everyday peer conflict. Situations involving bullying, harassment or safety go to a trusted adult or campus staff, and facilitators should say so in Session 1.