Overview
In this lesson, students learn ways to prevent and avoid fighting. They examine 3 key ways to avoid or respond to fights, including not acting on impulse and getting help if a conflict escalates toward violence. They read a story about a conflict between friends and analyze how the 3 ways could have helped the characters avoid or respond to the situation. They discuss the difference between simple conflict that students could solve among themselves and serious trouble that requires adult help, and identify adults who could help if they experience serious trouble with someone. Then they work in small groups to explore how they could apply the strategies for avoiding and responding fights in their own lives. The teacher reinforces walking away from a fight as the strong and safe thing to do.
Lesson Objectives
Students will be able to:
- Identify strategies to avoid physical fighting.
- Describe practices and behaviors that reduce or prevent violence.
- Determine the difference between simple conflict and serious trouble.
SEL Connection
- responsible decision making
Time: 45 minutes
Healthy Behavior Outcomes
- V-1: Manage interpersonal conflict in nonviolent ways.
- V-4: Avoid engaging in violence, including sexual harassment, coercion, exploitation, physical fighting, and rape.
- V-5: Avoid situations where violence is likely to occur.
- V-7: Get help to prevent or stop violence, including harassment, abuse, bullying, hazing, fighting, and hate crimes.
National Health Education Standards
- Standard 1: Comprehending Concepts
- Performance Indicator 1.5.4: Describe ways to prevent common childhood injuries and health problems.
- Standard 5: Decision Making
- Performance Indicator 5.5.1: Identify health-related situations that might require a thoughtful decision.
- Performance Indicator 5.5.2: Analyze when assistance is needed in making a health-related decision.
- Standard 7: Practicing Health-Enhancing Behaviors
- Performance Indicator 7.5.3: Demonstrate a variety of behaviors to avoid or reduce health risks.
