Conflict resolution can be tricky for all of us. Now, imagine being a four-year-old in preschool, trying to navigate conflicts with other four-year-olds—yikes! Our little learners are still figuring out their emotions, learning how to communicate their needs, and understanding the difference between big and small problems. And all the while, they’re doing their best to solve daily disagreements with their classmates.
That’s where we come in. Our preschoolers need guidance as they develop their conflict resolution skills. If that sounds like a daunting task, don’t worry—I’ve got you! Let’s break it down into simple, fun, and effective ways to teach conflict resolution so you can have a calmer, happier classroom.
What is Conflict Resolution?
Conflict resolution is the process (formal or informal) that helps two or more students find a peaceful way to solve a problem or disagreement. Many conflicts happen because kids don’t even realize what’s causing their frustration—whether it’s emotional regulation, communication struggles, or just plain misunderstanding.
Understanding conflict resolution is key to helping kids navigate disagreements smoothly. That’s why learning how to teach conflict resolution effectively can make all the difference in your classroom!
How to Teach Conflict Resolution
Trust me when I say, teaching conflict resolution to preschoolers is very doable. Our preschoolers are in our classrooms to develop their social emotional skills and conflict resolution is just one more of those SEL skills you need to incorporate into your lessons. If you are looking for some fun and effective ways to teach conflict resolution skills to preschoolers, here are some steps you can take to get started teaching conflict resolution.
Step 1: Size of the Problem
To a preschooler, every problem can feel like a BIG problem.
- Someone took their spot on the carpet? HUGE problem.
- A friend used the paintbrush they just set down? DISASTER.
- A buddy doesn’t want to play the same game? WORLD-ENDING.
Sound familiar? Before kids can resolve conflicts, they need to learn how to gauge the size of a problem.
Start by discussing:
- What is a big problem?
- What is a medium problem?
- What is a small problem?
- Which problems require a grown-up’s help?
- Which problems can kids solve on their own?
Helping our students understand the scale of problems sets the stage for smoother conflict resolution. These conflict resolution tips will help students build awareness and react appropriately.
Step 2: Teach Conflict Resolution Techniques
Once our preschoolers understand the size of a problem, they need tools to solve it. Keep it simple and practical with these easy-to-remember techniques:
- Talk to a grown-up (for bigger problems)
- Walk away
- Choose another activity
- Rock-paper-scissors (great for small disputes!)
- Say “I’m sorry” (when appropriate)
- Use a calm-down strategy
- Say “stop” and explain why
Practicing these techniques throughout the day makes conflict resolution second nature for preschoolers.
Step 3: Role Play Conflict Resolution Scenarios
Role-playing is one of the best ways to teach young learners. When they act out different situations, they get to see, experience, and talk through conflicts in a safe, supportive way.
Start by modeling a conflict yourself. Then, invite your students to participate. Use real-life scenarios from your classroom so kids can relate. They LOVE seeing themselves in these little “plays,” and it makes the learning more meaningful.
This hands-on approach is perfect for teaching conflict resolution skills in a way that sticks!
Step 4: Play Games to Teach Conflict Resolution
Games make learning fun and provide an engaging way for students to practice their skills in a low-pressure environment. Here are a few game ideas:
- Conflict Resolution Bingo – Fill a bingo board with different resolution techniques and play throughout the week. Each time a student successfully uses a technique, they mark it off on their board. This encourages active participation and reinforcement.
- Matching Game – Create a set of cards where students match common classroom conflicts with appropriate solutions. This helps them practice problem-solving in a fun and interactive way.
- Peace Corner Activities – Set up a “peace corner” where students can use props, picture books, or visual cue cards to help them work through conflicts independently or with guidance.
- Storytelling and Puppet Shows – Have students create short stories or puppet plays about solving conflicts. This allows them to explore resolution strategies creatively and internalize lessons in a memorable way.
- Emotion Charades – Help children identify and express emotions by acting them out. Understanding emotions is a crucial step in learning how to handle conflicts effectively.
By integrating these activities into your daily routine, children will naturally develop their conflict resolution skills while having fun. The best part? They won’t even realize they’re learning valuable life lessons!
Step 5: Involve Families
Reinforcing conflict resolution skills at home is key. Keep families in the loop by:
- Sending home a simple booklet with conflict resolution techniques (bonus points if kids illustrate it!) Grab my FREE conflict resolution techniques booklet here
- Sharing tips in newsletters or at parent meetings
- Encouraging parents to role-play conflict scenarios at home
The more our young learners practice, the more natural these skills will become. This is a great way to ensure conflict resolution carries over beyond the classroom.
Teach Conflict Resolution Skills
Teaching conflict resolution isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about giving kids lifelong social-emotional skills. When your preschoolers learn how to handle conflicts on their own, they become more confident, independent, and ready to build healthy relationships.
And let’s be real—the fewer minor disputes you have to mediate, the more peaceful your classroom will be. That’s a win for everyone!
Looking to learn more? Check out these blog posts:
- 5 Easy Ways to Teach Size of the Problem to Preschoolers
- How to Help Preschoolers with Self Regulation
- 5 Effective Conflict Resolution Activities that Work
