Activity
Conflict Resolution: The Playground Argument
During recess, Zara and Hassan both wanted to play with the new ball. They started arguing, each saying they should go first.
How this story builds conflict resolution
This page links the story The Playground Argument from the EAST Grade 3-5 books to the life skill Conflict Resolution. Teachers can use the story to start a short class talk, ask children how the characters showed this skill, and connect it to a real moment from their own day. Parents can do the same at home after reading the story together.
Story / Main Text
During recess, Zara and Hassan both wanted to play with the new ball. They started arguing, each saying they should go first. Their friend Fatima noticed the fight and suggested they sit down and talk about it.
Fatima reminded them about “taking turns.” She asked Zara to explain why she wanted to play first. Zara said she wanted to try a new game. Hassan explained he had been waiting since morning to play with the ball. Fatima suggested, “Why don’t you each take turns? Zara, you can go first for five minutes, and then Hassan can play.”
Zara and Hassan agreed, and they realized it was more fun when they both got a chance to play. They thanked Fatima for helping them solve the conflict.
Questions
Fill in the blank: When friends argue, it’s helpful to sit down and ________ about it.
- A. Yell - B. Talk - C. Ignore
True or False: Taking turns is a way to solve disagreements.
What did Zara and Hassan learn about sharing. ?
- A. It’s more fun to take turns - B. It’s best to play alone - C. Sharing means everyone loses
Fill in the blank: Conflict resolution helps us find a solution that makes everyone feel ________.
- A. Happy - B. Angry - C. Ignored
Why did Fatima suggest taking turns?
- A. So both friends would get a chance to play - B. So only Zara could play - C. So Hassan could get the ball
Activity
Pair up with a classmate. Imagine you both want to use the same marker color for your drawing. First, discuss why each of you wants that color, then come up with a solution, like taking turns or using different parts of the paper. Show the class your drawing and explain how you resolved the conflict together!