Active learning ideas
Resolving Conflict is a vital skill within the 'Relating to others' strand of the NCCA SPHE curriculum. Senior Infants are at a stage where disagreements over toys, turns, or rules are common. This topic teaches them simple, constructive ways to handle these moments, such as using 'I' statements, listening to the other person, and understanding the importance of an apology.
Activity 01
Students are given a scenario (e.g., someone took their crayon). They practice saying, 'I feel sad when you take my crayon, please ask next time,' instead of shouting or grabbing back.
What happens when we disagree with a friend?
Activity 02
In small groups, students are shown a 'broken' toy (or a picture of one). They must brainstorm three different ways to fix the situation if two friends were fighting over it.
How can we fix a problem?
Activity 03
Set up a small table with a 'talking piece.' Students practice sitting down and taking turns to speak while the other listens, simulating how they would solve a real disagreement.
Why is it important to say sorry?
A few notes on teaching this unit
Watch Out for These Misconceptions
Saying 'sorry' makes the problem disappear instantly.
Children often use 'sorry' as a magic word to avoid trouble. Active discussion helps them see that a real apology also involves trying to fix the mistake or not doing it again.
The person who is loudest is the one who is right.
In the heat of a conflict, children often shout. Using a 'talking piece' in simulations helps them understand that everyone's voice is equal and listening is just as important as speaking.
Methods used in this brief
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