Negotiation and Feedback wellbeing lesson plan
A primary wellbeing lesson for Years 3 and 4 that helps Australian teachers introduce negotiation and feedback skills through a structured, ready-to-teach lesson. Students learn how to find the right words to sort out differences, and practise giving and receiving feedback respectfully with friends. The lesson supports students to build practical communication skills for everyday classroom and playground situations, helping them approach disagreements and feedback with confidence and respect.
Healthy Relationships & Communication
Snapshot
Negotiation and Feedback
The lesson gives teachers a structured way to introduce negotiation and feedback language students can use in everyday friendships. Feedback: 4.5/5 average rating from 107 teacher and student responses
Prep time:
5 to 10 minutes
Lesson length:
45 to 50 minutes
Key Focus
Finding the right words to sort out differences and give respectful feedback
Lesson Format
Teacher-led discussion and structured activities
What students will learn
By the end of the lesson, students will be supported to:
Recognise
recognise when a disagreement with a friend needs to be sorted out with words rather than ignored or escalated
recognise the difference between giving feedback and being unkind or critical
recognise how tone and word choice can change how a message is received
Understand
understand that fair negotiation involves listening to another person's point of view
understand that feedback can be honest and respectful at the same time
Practise
practise using respectful language to work through a disagreement with a friend
practise offering feedback in a way that considers the other person's feelings
practise listening to a friend's perspective before responding
Who this lesson is for?
This lesson is designed for students in Years 3 and 4 who are developing the language and confidence to work through everyday disagreements and give feedback to friends.
It is suitable for:
primary wellbeing lessons
Health or PDHPE teaching
pastoral care, circle time or advisory sessions
friendship and social skills programs
respectful relationships teaching
Suitability should be based on more than age alone. Teachers should consider the lesson focus, student 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 negotiation and feedback skills Use when students need simple language for sorting out differences and sharing feedback with friends.
Building classroom culture Use when reinforcing respectful communication and shared expectations within friendship groups.
Supporting inclusion Use when students need language that helps everyone feel heard during group work or play.
Practising safe responses Use when students are learning how to disagree or give feedback without being unkind.
Reinforcing respectful communication Use after teaching about friendships or shared respect, to build on earlier learning.
Preparing for group or partner work Use before tasks that involve negotiation, sharing opinions or working through disagreements.
The lesson can be used proactively with the whole class. It does not need to follow a specific incident.
Why this lesson matters
Students need practical words for working through everyday disagreements before frustration builds or friendships are affected. Negotiation and feedback are skills students use constantly, whether they are deciding on a game, sharing an opinion or working through a mix up with a friend. Teaching these skills early helps students build habits of listening, considering another person's point of view and choosing words that keep a conversation respectful. This supports a classroom culture where students feel confident sorting out differences without needing an adult to step in every time. The lesson also lays groundwork for students to give and receive feedback constructively, a skill that supports collaboration and shared respect well beyond the classroom.
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 Students practise choosing words that express their view clearly and respectfully.
Perspective taking Students consider how a friend might see a disagreement differently.
Emotional regulation Students think about how to stay calm and fair when working through a difference.
Relationship skills Students practise negotiating outcomes that consider everyone's needs.
Respectful feedback Students learn to share honest feedback without being unkind.
Shared respect Students reinforce that friendships work best when everyone feels heard.
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 students not to name classmates or share stories about other people
Frame the discussion around general examples and scenarios, not personal disputes
Make clear that the lesson is about learning respectful language, not solving a specific disagreement
Identify trusted adults students can speak to if a friendship issue feels difficult to manage
During delivery
Use everyday examples such as disagreeing about a game or sharing an honest opinion
Give students time to practise phrases aloud or in pairs
Reinforce that disagreements can be sorted out calmly, without arguing or being unkind
Allow students to respond through discussion, role play or written reflection depending on confidence
Supporting safe discussion
Keep examples general rather than based on real classroom disputes
Reinforce that everyone's feelings and opinions are worth listening to
Be prepared to follow your school's child safety, wellbeing or child protection procedures if a student discloses harm or says they feel unsafe
Adaptation options
Use partner role play for confident groups
Use written or drawn reflection for quieter students
Spend more time on listening skills if students need support before practising negotiation language
