CHECKMATE Teaching students to resolve conflict - One move at a time

5 Simple strategies for resolving conflict in your classroom

Teachers I meet say that classroom management is one of their greatest concerns. So, what is an effective way to manage conflict between students in a classroom? I found that teaching students simple, consistent strategies - like the moves you would use in a game of chess - works best.

Each morning, my class began with a brief reflection of what happened the previous day, what to expect for the day ahead, and what to do when we encounter conflicts in class. This daily ritual set a positive tone for the day’s classroom interaction. And while we discussed what to do if we had conflict, we often used the example of chess as a metaphor. Chess allows students to think critically and strategically, and to ask, “How does this move affect me?” and “What can I do in this move that sets me up for success?”  It is a nonthreatening way to consider conflict, and it made our classroom discussions much more meaningful.

My students learned that, while conflict is a natural part of interaction, it must be addressed in a thoughtful, methodical way. I explicitly taught them how to use and test each of the following conflict resolution moves:

• Ignore - Do not acknowledge the distraction or offense
• Move - Separate yourself from the conflict
• Use an “I-Message” - Verbally address the offense. “I feel ________, when you _______ and I would like you to stop please.”
• Tell A Responsive Adult - Involve an adult that will support you in resolving the conflict
• Class Meeting - Put your issue on the agenda for a class meeting ​

In my classroom, students were responsible for using one or more of these moves to navigate conflict. On the surface, these are seemingly simple strategies. But the larger goal is to have students stop, think, and respond in a strong, victimless way, and take responsibility for the way in which they choose to solve conflicts.
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Conflict is difficult, and students need our support. For more information about classroom management and conflict resolution, go to conditionsforlearning.com. We have compiled free, helpful tips and strategies for teachers based on real classroom experiences.