Social, Personal and Health Education (SPHE) · Junior Infants · Myself and Others: Friends and Family · 3.º Período

Resolving Conflict

Children explore simple strategies for dealing with disagreements, such as using their words and saying sorry. They learn the importance of forgiveness and making up.

TL;DR:Conflict is a natural part of social interaction, especially in a busy Junior Infant classroom. This topic, part of the 'Resolving conflict' strand, teaches children how to handle disagreements constructively. The focus is on using 'I statements,' understanding the impact of their actions on others, and the power of a sincere apology.

• NCCA Curriculum Specifications
• Strand: Myself and others - Strand Unit: Relating to others
• Strand: Myself and others - Strand Unit: Resolving conflict

About This Topic

Conflict is a natural part of social interaction, especially in a busy Junior Infant classroom. This topic, part of the 'Resolving conflict' strand, teaches children how to handle disagreements constructively. The focus is on using 'I statements,' understanding the impact of their actions on others, and the power of a sincere apology.

Children learn that while it is okay to feel upset, it is important to find a way to make things right. This unit emphasizes forgiveness and the steps to 'making up' after a fight. This topic comes alive when students can safely explore conflict scenarios through role-play and collaborative problem-solving.

Key Questions

1. What should we do if we argue with a friend?
2. How do we say sorry and mean it?
3. How does it feel when we make up after a fight?

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

Children often think that saying the word 'sorry' automatically fixes everything instantly.

What to Teach Instead

Teach that a 'sorry' needs to be followed by a 'fix-it' action. Use role-play to show how to ask, 'How can I make it better?' which helps children see the importance of restoring the relationship.

Common Misconception

Students may believe that if they are angry, they are 'bad.'

What to Teach Instead

Distinguish between the feeling (anger) and the action (hitting). Active learning through 'The Fix-It Kit' shows that there are many positive ways to handle the feeling of anger.

Active Learning Ideas

Role Play

The 'I Feel' Script

The teacher provides a scenario (e.g., someone took my crayon). Children practice saying: 'I feel sad when you take my crayon. Please ask next time.' Pairs take turns being the speaker and the listener.

15 min·Pairs

Inquiry Circle

The 'Fix-It' Kit

Small groups look at pictures of 'broken' friendships (e.g., an argument over a toy). They choose a 'tool' from a kit (a hug, a sorry, a handshake, a turn-taking timer) to fix the problem.

20 min·Small Groups

Think-Pair-Share

What Does 'Sorry' Look Like?

Children discuss with a partner what makes a 'good' apology versus a 'fast' apology. They share their ideas with the class to create a 'Sincere Sorry' checklist.

15 min·Pairs

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop children from just saying 'sorry' to get out of trouble?

Focus on empathy. Ask, 'How do you think your friend feels?' before the apology. Active learning strategies like the 'Sincere Sorry' checklist help children understand the emotional weight behind the words, making the process more meaningful.

What are the best hands-on strategies for teaching conflict resolution?

Role-play is the most powerful tool. By acting out both sides of a conflict, children develop empathy and practice the actual language needed to resolve issues. Using 'conflict puppets' can also make the scenarios feel safer and more objective for young children.

When should the teacher intervene in a student conflict?

Intervene if there is physical danger or if the children are stuck. Otherwise, use the 'Fix-It' tools they've learned in class to guide them through the resolution themselves. This builds their confidence in managing their own social world.

How can I teach forgiveness to such young children?

Model it yourself and highlight it when you see it in the classroom. Use stories and collaborative investigations to show that 'making up' feels much better than staying angry, focusing on the relief and happiness that follows a resolution.