Making Things Right PSHE lesson plan
A primary PSHE lesson that helps UK teachers introduce practical ways to resolve arguments through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Pupils learn to recognise how disagreements start, understand different points of view and practise respectful ways to make things right with a friend. The lesson gives teachers a calm, structured way to talk about friendship arguments and shared respect, without needing to wait for a specific incident to start the conversation.
Healthy Relationships & Communication
Snapshot
Making Things Right
This lesson gives teachers a structured way to talk through arguments and help pupils practise fair, respectful ways to make things right.
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Resolving arguments and repairing friendships through respectful communication
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 common triggers for arguments between friends, such as misunderstandings or unfair turns
recognise when a disagreement is affecting how someone feels
recognise the difference between resolving an argument and simply avoiding it
Understand
understand that people can see the same situation differently
understand that making things right often involves listening as well as talking
Practise
practise respectful phrases for explaining how they feel during a disagreement
practise listening to another person's point of view before responding
practise agreeing on a fair way to move forward after an argument
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for primary pupils who are learning to manage disagreements with friends and build early conflict resolution skills.
It is suitable for:
primary PSHE lessons
relationships education
pastoral care, circle time or form time
friendship skills and class culture work
respectful relationships programmes
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 building early language for disagreeing respectfully and resolving arguments.
Revisiting class expectations Use when reinforcing fairness, respect and how to talk through disagreements calmly.
Supporting pupils after friendship issues Use to guide a structured, non blaming discussion after everyday disagreements or fallouts between friends.
Building communication confidence Use when pupils need practise expressing how they feel without escalating an argument.
Preparing for transition Use when friendship groups are changing and pupils may need extra support managing disagreements.
Creating a structured PSHE discussion Use when you want a calm, teacher-led conversation about respectful ways to sort out problems.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Arguments between friends are a normal part of school life, and pupils benefit from having simple, practical ways to work through them. Making Things Right focuses on building these skills early, rather than waiting until a disagreement has already caused upset. When pupils have language for explaining how they feel and listening to another point of view, they are better placed to sort out problems fairly and keep friendships on track. This lesson supports that process by giving pupils time to practise respectful responses in a low pressure setting. For teachers, having a consistent way to talk about resolving arguments also supports a calmer classroom culture, where disagreements are seen as something to work through together rather than something to avoid.
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
Communication skills Pupils practise explaining how they feel during a disagreement without blaming.
Perspective taking Pupils consider how the other person in an argument might see the situation.
Emotional regulation Pupils explore calm ways to respond when they feel frustrated or unfairly treated.
Relationship repair Pupils practise finding a fair way to move forward after a disagreement.
Respectful listening Pupils practise listening to a friend's point of view before responding.
Help seeking Pupils learn that a trusted adult can help when a disagreement feels too hard to sort out alone.
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 specific stories about other people
Frame the discussion around general scenarios rather than personal accusations
Make clear that the lesson is about practising skills, not deciding who was right or wrong
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
During delivery
Use everyday examples such as disagreeing over a game or feeling left out of a decision
Give pupils time to practise respectful phrases aloud or in pairs
Reinforce that pupils do not need to resolve every disagreement alone
Allow pupils to respond through discussion, drawing or paired talk depending on confidence
Supporting safe discussion
Keep examples general rather than based on real classmates
Reinforce that asking a trusted adult for help is a responsible choice, not a last resort
Identify trusted adults pupils can speak to if a disagreement feels difficult to manage
Adaptation options
Use paired discussion for confident groups
Use drawing or written reflection for quieter pupils
Spend more time on listening skills if pupils need extra support hearing another point of view
