Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v5 - Grade 6

Lesson Video

This page supports the lesson note with a companion video and a short classroom-ready summary.

For class groups and homework, share this lesson page so learners also get the summary, objectives, and full lesson context.

Performance objectives

• Define conflict resolution and peer mediation.
• Identify different types and causes of conflict.
• Use communication skills to resolve conflicts.
• Understand different perspectives in a conflict.
• Apply the steps of peer mediation.

Lesson summary

This lesson focuses on conflict resolution and peer mediation, vital skills for navigating everyday life, especially within the diverse South African context. Understanding and applying these skills will empower learners to manage disagreements constructively, prevent escalation, and build stronger relationships with peers, family, and community members. The ability to resolve conflicts peacefully is essential for creating a harmonious and productive learning environment, fostering a sense of belonging, and promoting social cohesion within our communities.

Lesson notes

What is Conflict? Conflict is a disagreement or struggle that arises when people have different needs, wants, values, or beliefs. It’s a natural part of life, but how we handle conflict determines whether it leads to positive growth or negative outcomes. Conflicts can be small, like a disagreement about a game, or large, like a disagreement about sharing resources.

Types of Conflict: Interpersonal Conflict: This happens between two or more people.

Examples: arguing with a friend over a borrowed book, disagreeing with a sibling about chores.

Intrapersonal Conflict: This happens within yourself.

Examples: Feeling torn between studying for a test and going to a party, feeling guilty about something you did.

Group Conflict: This happens between different groups of people.

Examples: Two groups disagreeing about which sport to play during break, a disagreement between two classes about who gets to use the school hall.

Causes of Conflict: Misunderstandings: When people don’t communicate clearly or make assumptions.

Different Needs/Wants: When people want different things or have different priorities.

Limited Resources: When there isn’t enough to go around (e.g., only one soccer ball for many children).

Different Values/Beliefs: When people have different ideas about what is right or wrong, or what is important.

Conflict Resolution: Conflict resolution is the process of finding a peaceful solution to a disagreement. It involves communication, understanding, and compromise. The goal is to find a solution that is fair and acceptable to everyone involved.

Key Skills for Conflict Resolution: Active Listening: Paying close attention to what the other person is saying, both verbally and non-verbally. This includes nodding, making eye contact, and asking clarifying questions.

Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of another person. Putting yourself in their shoes.

Assertive Communication: Expressing your needs and feelings clearly and respectfully, without being aggressive or passive. Using "I" statements (e.g., "I feel frustrated when...") rather than "you" statements (e.g., "You always...").

Compromise: Being willing to give up something in order to reach an agreement. Finding a middle ground.

Peer Mediation: Peer mediation is a process where a trained student (the mediator) helps two or more students resolve a conflict. The mediator doesn't take sides or tell people what to do. Instead, they help the students communicate effectively, understand each other's perspectives, and find their own solutions. This is very important in South Africa as our schools often face issues such as bullying, exclusion and discrimination based on race or cultural background.

Steps of Peer Mediation: Introduction: The mediator explains the process and rules (e.g., confidentiality, respect).

Storytelling: Each person gets a chance to tell their side of the story without interruption (except to clarify).

Identifying the Problem: The mediator helps the students identify the main issue or issues in dispute.

Brainstorming Solutions: The students brainstorm possible solutions to the problem.

Agreement: The students choose a solution that works for everyone and agree to follow it.

Closing: The mediator thanks the students for participating and reinforces the agreement.