Learning About Conflict and Compromise

The Day No One Played Together is available as a YouTube read-aloud.

In today’s world, it is very important for children and adults alike to learn the art of compromise.  In the book The Day No One Played Together, sisters Jadyn and Genesis did not feel like there was anything fun to do because neither of them could agree about what they should be doing.  Their conflict about what to do had them both doing nothing. They were in a lose/lose situation.  Think about times when you might have wanted to play one thing… maybe hide-and-seek… and your friend or sibling wanted to play something different…maybe they wanted to color.  Listen to The Day No One Played Together by Donalisa Helsley and then learn about the art of compromise.

To Think About: 

1. Genesis had a solution to the problem of whose game the girls should play first.  She said, “So, we play my game first and then we play yours.”  After some arguing, Jadyn said, “Fine, I’m not playing either!” What did each sister want?   Did either sister get what she wanted?  Why or why not?
2. Jadyn and Genesis got some help figuring out how they could play together.  That help came from their mom. One thing their mom said  was that they should brainstorm other ways to find something they both want to do.   What different ideas do you have that would help Jadyn and Genesis continue to find things they both want to do?  Be prepared to share.
3. When you are faced with a conflict, you can resolve it with three different kinds of solutions; that is, both sides can get something they want (a WIN/WIN RESOLUTION); only one side gets what he/she wants (a WIN/LOSE RESOLUTION); or neither side gets what he/she wants (a LOSE/LOSE RESOLUTION).  Below is a scene in which there is a conflict.  You get to resolve the conflict. Write your resolution line at the end.  Then decide if it is a WIN/WIN, WIN/LOSE, or LOSE/LOSE RESOLUTION

Scene 1

Characters:  Two students in elementary school

Setting:  School playground

Conflict:  There is only one swing that is available and two kids race toward it at the very same time.

Curtain up

Kid #1:  I want to swing.

Kid #2:  I want to swing too.

Kid #1:  Well, I was here first.

Kid #2:  No, I got here first.

Kid #1: Yes, but I am bigger and stronger than you.

Kid #2:  If you pull the swing away from me, I will tell the Principal that you hurt me and you will be suspended.

Kid #1:  I do not care.

Kid #2: Ok. (Walks toward an adult who is assigned to the playground.)

Kid #1:  Do not tell on me. 

Kid #2:  I will tell on you if you don’t let me swing!!

Kid #1:  Hey, the bell is about to ring, and recess will be over.  I want to swing too. 

Kid #2:

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*Your job is to give Kid #2 the words that will lead to a WIN/WIN Resolution.  First ask yourself what each kid wants.  Then think of how they can resolve their conflict by having each Kid get something that he/she wants.

S.T.AR. Cards:  

Genesis and Jadyn’s mom told them to brainstorm other ways to find something they both want to do.  To brainstorm means to think of different ideas.  Read the S.T.A.R. Card below and brainstorm all the ways you can think of to welcome new people into your community.

Imagine that many new immigrants have recently bought homes in your community.  What ways might you suggest to help the new people in your community and/or school feel safe and welcome?

(Lesson developed by Anne Spector, C70's Lead Educator.)