Activity 3: Conflict Resolution Skits with Alternate Endings
Part of Love Connects Us, Grades 4-5
Activity time: 20 minutes
Materials for Activity
- Leader Resource 1, Conflict Resolution Scenarios
- Timepiece (minutes)
- Optional: Simple props
Preparation for Activity
- Print out Leader Resource 1 and cut the two scenarios apart
Description of Activity
Participants create a skit to portray a conflict and then re-create the skit to show different possible solutions.
Form two groups. Give each group a scenario from Leader Resource 1. Tell them they have five minutes to create a skit based on their scenario.
When time is up, have Group A to perform their skit. Then, give both groups a few minutes to create new skits based on Group A's scenario but with alternative endings that show a different resolution to the conflict. Invite Group B to present and Group A to describe their alternatives.
Then, ask Group B to perform the skit they created based on the other scenario. Again, give both groups a few minutes to create new skits with alternative endings to Group B's scenario. Invite Group A to present and Group B to describe their alternatives.
Leave a few minutes for participants to reflect:
- Which skit(s) were realistic? Which were not? Why?
- What observations can you make about the kinds of actions or statements that help make peace?
- In the story "A Christmas Truce," the soldiers created peace by doing something surprising. They acted in ways no one expected soldiers to act. In your skits, did you choose any solutions that involved anyone doing something surprising to create a new mood?
Variation
Note: If you do not have enough participants to form two groups, have the entire group work together on alternative endings for both scenarios. Or, allow participants to use leaders as actors.