Solving Problems Together: How to Make Peace After a Disagreement
Learning Goals:
- Learn new words about disagreements and finding solutions.
- Talk about problems and how to fix them.
- Read about a conflict between friends.
- Listen to an expert talk about working together to solve problems.
- Write a letter to someone to make peace after an argument.
Key Words:
- Conflict: A disagreement or argument.
- Compromise: Finding a solution that makes everyone a little bit happy.
- Listen: To pay attention to what someone is saying.
- Understand: To get what someone else is thinking or feeling.
- Apologize: To say you’re sorry.
- Forgive: To stop being angry at someone.
Let’s Talk About It!
- Have you ever had a disagreement with a friend or family member? What happened?
- How did you solve the problem?
- Is it easy or hard for you to say you’re sorry?
Let’s Read a Story!
Anna and Ben lived together, but they were always fighting. Anna thought Ben didn’t help clean enough, and Ben thought Anna was bossy. One day, they sat down and talked. They listened to each other’s feelings and made a plan to share the chores. After that, they were much happier!
Questions about the Story:
- Why were Anna and Ben fighting?
- What did they do to solve their problem?
- How did things change for them after they talked?
Listen and Learn!
(Teacher plays a short clip of a relationship expert giving tips on how to solve disagreements.)
Talk with a Partner!
One of you is upset with the other about something. Practice talking about the problem and finding a solution together.
Example:
- Person 1: “You never do the dishes! It’s not fair.”
- Person 2: “I’m sorry, I know I should help more. Maybe we can make a schedule so we both know what to do.”
Homework:
Write a short letter to someone you’ve had a disagreement with. Apologize and explain how you feel. Also, offer a way to solve the problem so you can be friends again.
Extra Fun:
Make a list of “I” statements you can use when you’re upset with someone. (Example: “I feel frustrated when…”)
