Calmly Resolving Conflict PSHE lesson plan
A primary PSHE lesson for Years 1 to 2 that helps UK teachers introduce calm conflict resolution through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Pupils learn how to talk through disagreements with friends rather than reacting with upset, avoidance or unkindness. The lesson gives teachers a simple way to model calm words and shared respect, helping pupils build early skills for sorting out friendship problems on their own.
Healthy Relationships & Communication
Snapshot
Calmly Resolving Conflict
The lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce calm, respectful conflict resolution using simple language pupils can use straight away.
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Talking through disagreements calmly and respectfully
Lesson Format
Teacher-led discussion and structured activities
What pupils will learn
By the end of the lesson, students will be supported to:
Recognise
Recognise when a disagreement with a friend is starting to happen.
Recognise that feeling upset or frustrated during a disagreement is normal.
Recognise the difference between talking calmly and reacting quickly.
Understand
Understand that most friendship disagreements can be sorted out by talking calmly.
Understand that listening to a friend's side is part of resolving a disagreement fairly.
Practise
Practise using calm words to explain how they feel during a disagreement.
Practise listening to a friend before responding.
Practise asking a trusted adult for help if a disagreement feels too hard to sort out alone.
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for Years 1 to 2 pupils who are beginning to notice and talk about disagreements with friends. It suits pupils who are developing early language for feelings and are learning how to take turns in conversation.
It is suitable for:
primary PSHE lessons
relationships education
pastoral care, circle time or form time
class culture and friendship skills work
early conflict resolution learning
Suitability should be based on more than age alone. Teachers should consider the lesson focus, pupil maturity, cohort needs, classroom culture, existing discussion norms and available support pathways.
Best used when
Use this lesson when students need clear, practical language for recognising unkind behaviour and knowing what to do next.
Introducing friendship skills Use when pupils are learning early language for disagreements and calm responses.
Building classroom culture Use when reinforcing shared respect, turn taking and fair listening.
Reinforcing previous learning Use to revisit calm conflict resolution after earlier friendship or communication lessons.
Supporting inclusion Use when helping pupils practise fair ways to include and listen to each other.
Practising safe responses Use when pupils are learning how to respond to disagreement without arguing or walking away upset.
Creating structured discussion Use when you want a calm, teacher-led conversation about talking problems out.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Pupils need simple, usable language for talking through disagreements before frustration or upset takes over. Early conflict resolution skills give pupils a way to sort out friendship problems without needing an adult to step in every time. This lesson supports a calmer classroom culture by helping pupils see that disagreements are a normal part of friendship, and that talking calmly is a skill they can practise. Pupils learn that listening and using calm words can help both people feel heard, and that asking a trusted adult for help is always an option when a disagreement feels too big to manage alone.
How this lesson supports wellbeing
This lesson supports student wellbeing by building practical social and emotional skills students can use in everyday school life. It helps students develop:
Capability How the lesson supports it
Emotional awareness Pupils notice and name how they feel during a disagreement.
Communication skills Pupils practise calm words to explain their point of view.
Active listening Pupils practise listening to a friend's side before responding.
Relationship skills Pupils learn how shared respect can help resolve disagreements.
Self-regulation Pupils consider calm responses instead of reacting quickly.
Help-seeking Pupils learn when to ask a trusted adult for support.
For teachers and school leaders, the lesson contributes to broader wellbeing, respectful relationships, child safety and pastoral care goals in Australian primary schools.
Teaching notes & Delivery Considerations
This lesson includes content about unkind behaviour, exclusion and asking adults for help. It should be taught with calm, clear discussion norms.
Before teaching
Remind pupils not to name classmates or share stories about other people.
Frame the discussion around general examples and scenarios, not personal accusations.
Make clear that the lesson is about practising calm words, not deciding who is right or wrong.
Identify trusted adults pupils can speak to at school if a disagreement feels too hard to sort out alone.
During delivery
Use simple examples such as disagreeing over a game or wanting different things at the same time.
Give pupils time to practise calm phrases aloud with a partner.
Reinforce that pupils do not need to sort out every disagreement alone.
Allow pupils to respond through discussion, drawing or paired talk depending on confidence.
Supporting safe discussion
Encourage pupils to speak to a trusted adult if a disagreement keeps happening or feels unfair.
Keep language calm and non-judgmental when discussing disagreements.
Be prepared to follow your school's safeguarding procedures and speak with the designated safeguarding lead if a pupil discloses harm or says they feel unsafe.
Adaptation options
Use paired talk for confident groups.
Use drawing or teacher-guided discussion for quieter groups.
Spend more time on calm words if pupils need extra practise before role-play style talk.
