Soul Shoppe's work is made possible by donors and partners who care deeply about the young people in their communities! We can't do this work without you. Support our work in classrooms and on playgrounds across the nation by donating here.
Conflict is a natural part of growing up. Whether it’s a disagreement over sharing supplies, a miscommunication on the playground, or a clash of opinions in group work, students are constantly navigating relationships. But with the right tools and guidance, these moments can become powerful learning opportunities.
This is where educators and school staff play a vital role. Instead of stepping in to fix every disagreement, we can give students the tools to solve conflicts independently—building their confidence, empathy, and problem-solving skills.
In this article, we’ll explore practical, age-appropriate conflict resolution strategies for students, how adults can support without taking over, and how programs like Soul Shoppe’s Peacemaker Training,Tools of the Heart, andPlanet Responsibility equip students to build peaceful, connected communities.
Why Conflict Resolution Belongs in the Classroom
When students learn to manage conflict early on, they’re not just solving problems—they’re developing lifelong skills: ✔ Listening with empathy ✔ Communicating clearly and kindly ✔ Taking responsibility for their actions ✔ Finding creative, respectful solutions
By nurturing conflict resolution in educational settings, we create classrooms that are not only calmer but also more connected.
Conflict Resolution Strategies for Elementary Students
Let’s walk through student-centered strategies that give kids the tools to navigate tough moments themselves, with adult support when needed.
1. Use a Step-by-Step Process
Teach students a simple, repeatable method for working through problems. Soul Shoppe’s “I Message” framework or Peace Path tools are great examples:
Stop and breathe
Say how you feel
Say what happened (without blame)
Listen to the other person
Work together on a solution
This process is at the heart of ourPeacemaker Training—a program that helps students take on leadership roles in resolving peer conflicts, with guidance from trusted adults.
2. Practice with Conflict Resolution Scenarios for Students
Role-playing is a powerful way to prepare students for real-life challenges. Try these conflict resolution scenarios for students:
“Your partner didn’t do their part in a group project—what do you do?”
“Two friends both want the same ball during recess—how can they solve it together?”
“Someone made a joke that hurt your feelings—how can you tell them in a kind way?”
Walk through these with the class or in small groups, using role-play and reflection to build empathy.
3. Empower Students with a Mediation Role
Student conflict resolution becomes even more effective when students lead it. That’s why we train Peacemakers—students who learn how to teach mediation, guide peers through conflict, and model respectful behavior.
With guidance, students can even complete a student mediation agreement outlining what happened, what each person needs, and what steps they’ll take moving forward.
How Adults Can Support Without Taking Over
When students are in conflict, adults may feel the urge to step in and fix the problem. But with support and guidance, students can often work it out themselves. Here’s how to help:
Coach, Don’t Control
Instead of directing the conversation, ask questions that guide students toward solutions:
“What do you think happened?”
“How do you think they felt?”
“What would be a fair way to move forward?”
Stay Neutral and Present
Avoid taking sides or assigning blame. Be a calm, supportive presence that reassures students they are safe and capable of working through the issue.
Model Reflective Listening
Demonstrate how to truly listen by reflecting what a student says:
“So you’re feeling frustrated because…”
“You wanted to play, but they didn’t hear you?”
Modeling these skills teaches students how to do the same for each other.
Integrating Conflict Resolution into Daily Classroom Life
Teaching classroom conflict resolution isn’t a one-time lesson—it’s a culture. Build it into your daily rhythm with these ideas:
Start the Day with a Check-In
Use feelings charts or morning circles to help students share what they’re carrying into the day.
Create a Classroom Agreement Together
Let students co-create the classroom norms. This builds ownership and a shared commitment to kindness and responsibility.
Play Conflict Resolution Games
Games help students build skills in a fun and low-pressure way. Try some conflict resolution games for kids—designed to encourage empathy, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Tools and Programs that Support Student-Led Conflict Resolution
Soul Shoppe offers structured programs that help embed conflict resolution strategies for students in a sustainable and meaningful way:
Peacemaker Training
Peacemaker Training is a whole-school model for how to resolve conflict in school—empowering students as peer mediators and providing staff with tools to guide peaceful resolution.
Tools of the Heart
Tools of the Heart is a social-emotional learning curriculum that teaches emotional awareness, communication skills, and self-regulation—all foundational for conflict management in schools.
Planet Responsibility
Planet Responsibility gives students a framework for understanding how their actions affect others and how they can take ownership and make things right. It’s about turning mistakes into meaningful growth.
Let Students Lead with Our Support
Conflict isn’t something to avoid—it’s something to grow through. With the right structures in place, strategies to resolve conflict, and trusted adults modeling compassion and respect, students become confident in their ability to navigate challenges.
By teaching conflict resolution strategies for students, we’re not just creating more peaceful classrooms—we’re shaping compassionate, courageous leaders.
Let’s give them the tools—and the trust—to lead the way. To learn more, contact us!
The world can sometimes feel overwhelming—not just for adults, but especially for children. Whether it’s a natural disaster on the news, a loss in the family, or big changes at home, kids rely on the adults around them to help make sense of life’s hardest moments.
Talking about these experiences isn’t always easy, but when we hold space for honest, age-appropriate conversations, we give children a chance to feel heard, grounded, and supported.
At Soul Shoppe, we believe every moment is an opportunity for connection. This includes the tough ones. In this article, we’ll share gentle, SEL-informed guidance for how to talk to your child about difficult topics, from natural disasters to grief and beyond.
Why These Conversations Matter
When children face uncertainty or distress and don’t have the language or support to process it, their emotions can build up and show up in unexpected ways, like outbursts, anxiety, or withdrawal.
They may not ask directly, but they are listening. They’re watching how we react and what we say (or don’t say). By being present and honest in a developmentally appropriate way, we model emotional resilience and invite children into safe, supportive conversations.
A Gentle List of Tough Topics to Talk About
Below are some hard topics to talk about that children may experience or hear about in school, at home, or through the media.
Each of these can prompt big feelings, confusion, and questions, especially when they’re unexpected.
How to Talk to a Child About Difficult Topics
Let’s walk through a few ways to open up these conversations with care and connection.
1. Start with a Check-In
Before diving into any tough topic, create space to see how your child is already feeling. You might say:
“Have you heard anything about what happened today?”
“How are you feeling about everything?”
“I noticed you’ve been quiet lately—want to talk?”
Children may not always have the words, but asking opens the door for connection.
2. Keep Language Clear, Honest, and Age-Appropriate
You don’t have to explain everything, but children do need clarity. Speak truthfully, using simple language that matches their developmental stage.
Example:
For a natural disaster: “There was a big storm in the city next to us. People are helping to keep everyone safe.”
For death: “That means their body stopped working, and they won’t come back. It’s okay to feel sad.”
Avoid overcomplicating or minimizing. Honesty, even in small doses, builds trust.
3. Reassure, Without Overpromising
Children want to know: Am I safe? Are the people I love safe?
Offer comfort with facts: “We’re safe right now.”
Remind them of the helpers: “There are so many people working to help others.” And let them know it’s okay to have big feelings: “It’s normal to feel scared or sad about this.”
4. Let Emotions Have Space
Tears, silence, anger—these are all natural responses to stress or grief. Rather than rushing to “fix” the feeling, be a calm presence beside it.
“It’s okay to cry. I’m here with you.”
“You don’t have to talk right now. Just know I’m here when you’re ready.”
When navigating children and grief, know that it doesn’t follow a straight line. Some days will be heavy, others lighter. Keep the door open for ongoing conversations.
Examples of Difficult Topics in Real Life—and How to Talk Through Them
Here are a few real-world scenarios with sample language you can adapt:
A Natural Disaster on the News
“Something big happened, and lots of people are working hard to help. It might feel scary, but we’re safe here. Would you like to talk more about it or ask questions?”
When a Pet or Family Member Dies
“[Name] died, and that means we won’t see them again. It’s okay to feel sad or miss them. I miss them too. Want to remember a favorite story together?”
Divorce or Separation
“Things are changing, but what stays the same is how much we both love you. You’re not alone in this—we’ll go through it together.”
These conversations are hard, but they’re also deeply healing.
How Social Emotional Learning Supports Tough Conversations
SEL gives children the tools to name their emotions, regulate their bodies, and connect with empathy—skills that are essential during times of stress or change.
Whether it’s learning to breathe through strong emotions, practicing kindness, or navigating peer conflict, SEL makes space for the kind of emotional growth that supports kids during life’s hardest moments.
Helpful Tips for Grown-Ups Navigating These Topics
Be okay with not having all the answers. Saying, “I don’t know, but we can find out together,” is powerful.
Limit overexposure to media. Curate age-appropriate news and take breaks when needed.
Use art, storytelling, or play to help kids express themselves.
Model emotional regulation. Let them see you take deep breaths, pause, or ask for help.
Check in later. Conversations around childhood stress or grief are ongoing—don’t make it a one-time event.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
If a child is dealing with grief, fear, or ongoing distress, it’s okay to seek support.
Speak with school counselors
Share grief resources for students
Reach out to community programs and educators trained in SEL
Even small steps—like a breathing exercise or a reassuring word—can mean everything to a child.
Be the Safe Place
Learning how to talk to your child about difficult topics isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being the steady, supportive presence children can trust.
By meeting kids with honesty, empathy, and calmness, you show them that even when the world feels big or uncertain, they are not alone.
Anxiety is one of the most common challenges students face, affecting their ability to focus, participate, and thrive in the classroom. Whether it’s test anxiety, social worries, or academic pressures, understanding how to help students with anxiety is essential for educators. By providing the right support, teachers can create a classroom environment that helps students feel safe, empowered, and capable of managing their stress.
This article explores the causes of anxiety in students, the impact of anxiety in the classroom, and practical interventions for students with anxiety that teachers can implement to support their emotional well-being.
Understanding Anxiety in Students
Anxiety in students can manifest in many ways, from physical symptoms like stomachaches to avoidance behaviors such as refusing to participate in class discussions. While occasional nervousness is a natural part of growing up, persistent anxiety can interfere with a child’s ability to learn and engage with their peers.
How Anxiety Affects School Performance
Students with anxiety may struggle with: ✔ Concentration and Memory: Stress can make it difficult to focus on lessons and retain information. ✔ Participation and Engagement: Fear of making mistakes or speaking up in class can lead to avoidance. ✔ Social Interactions: Anxiety can make forming friendships or working in groups overwhelming. ✔ Test Performance: Performance anxiety can cause students to freeze or struggle to demonstrate their knowledge under pressure.
Recognizing these challenges allows teachers to provide helpful resources for students with anxiety and create a supportive learning environment.
Common Causes of Anxiety in Students
Understanding the causes of anxiety in students helps educators anticipate triggers and provide meaningful support. Some of the most common causes include:
Academic Pressure: High expectations and fear of failure can make students anxious about tests, homework, and class participation.
Social Anxiety: Worries about fitting in, making friends, or speaking in front of others can be overwhelming.
Change or Uncertainty: Transitions such as moving to a new school, changing teachers, or adjusting to new routines can cause stress.
Sensory Overload: Noisy, busy environments can be difficult for students with sensory sensitivities.
Perfectionism: Some students set extremely high standards for themselves, leading to frustration when they don’t meet their own expectations.
By identifying specific stressors, teachers can implement interventions for students with anxiety that address individual needs.
How Teachers Can Help Students with Anxiety
Educators play a critical role in supporting students with anxiety by fostering a calm, inclusive, and predictable environment. Below are key strategies to help anxious students feel more at ease.
1. Create a Safe and Supportive Classroom Environment
A welcoming classroom helps reduce anxiety in the classroom by making students feel secure and valued. Strategies include: ✔ Consistent Routines: Predictability can ease stress, so establish clear schedules and expectations. ✔ Flexible Seating Options: Let students choose quiet spaces when they need a break. ✔ Encouraging Words: Offer reassurance and positive reinforcement, even for small achievements.
2. Teach Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques
Mindfulness helps students regulate emotions and manage stress. Simple techniques include: ✔ Deep Breathing Exercises: Teach students to take slow, deep breaths when they feel anxious. ✔ The Empty Balloon Exercise:The Empty Balloon guides students through mindful breathing, helping them calm down in moments of stress. ✔ Grounding Activities: Encourage students to focus on their senses (what they see, hear, and feel) to stay present in the moment.
3. Provide Emotional Support and Validation
Students with anxiety need to feel heard and understood. Teachers can: ✔ Check In Regularly: A quick “How are you feeling today?” can help students open up. ✔ Normalize Anxiety: Let students know that it’s okay to feel nervous and that they are not alone. ✔ Offer a Calm-Down Space: Create a designated area where students can take a break when needed.
4. Encourage Positive Self-Talk and Growth Mindset
Help students reframe anxious thoughts with encouraging messages: 🔹 Instead of: “I’ll never get this right.” → Say:“I’m still learning, and I’ll get better with practice.” 🔹 Instead of: “Everyone will laugh if I make a mistake.” → Say:“Everyone makes mistakes. That’s how we learn.”
5. Offer Flexible Participation Options
Some students may feel overwhelmed speaking in front of the class or participating in group activities. Support them by: ✔ Allowing written responses instead of verbal answers. ✔ Pairing them with a trusted friend for partner work. ✔ Giving them the option to present privately or in small groups.
SEL helps students build confidence, emotional regulation, and resilience. TheTools of the Heart curriculum provides structured lessons that teach students how to recognize, process, and manage emotions effectively.
Interventions for Students with Anxiety
1. Sensory Breaks in the Classroom
Short sensory breaks can help students reset and manage their emotions. These include: ✔ Stretching or movement breaks to release built-up tension. ✔ Fidget tools for students who need to channel nervous energy. ✔ Listening to calming music during quiet work times.
2. Journaling and Expressive Writing
Encourage students to write about their feelings in a journal. Writing helps students: ✔ Process emotions in a safe and private way. ✔ Identify patterns in their anxiety triggers. ✔ Reflect on positive moments and growth.
3. Teaching Emotional Vocabulary
Many students struggle to articulate their emotions. Teach them phrases like: ✔ “I feel nervous because…” ✔ “I need help with…” ✔ “When I get anxious, it helps me to…”
The more students can express their emotions, the easier it is to find solutions.
4. Peer Support and Classroom Community
Encourage peer support by: ✔ Practicing kindness and empathy in classroom discussions. ✔ Using buddy systems to help students feel included. ✔ Reinforcing the idea that classmates should support, not judge, each other.
Resources for Students with Anxiety
Helping students with anxiety requires ongoing support and accessible resources. Teachers can integrate structured programs like:
The Empty Balloon: A guided breathing tool that helps students self-regulate.
Tools of the Heart: A social-emotional learning curriculum that builds confidence and emotional resilience.
Classroom Relaxation Stations: Create a space with calming tools like stress balls, quiet reading materials, or soft lighting.
Mindfulness Apps for Kids: Apps like Headspace for Kids or Calm can provide guided relaxation exercises.
By providing these resources for students with anxiety, teachers create a more inclusive and supportive classroom environment.
Supporting Students with Anxiety in the Classroom
Understanding how to help students with anxiety goes beyond academic support—it’s about creating a safe space where students feel heard, valued, and equipped to manage their emotions. By implementing interventions for students with anxiety, offering SEL resources, and building strong teacher-student relationships, educators can help students develop resilience and confidence.
Want to bring structured emotional learning to your classroom? ExploreTools of the Heart for evidence-based strategies to support students with anxiety in meaningful ways.
Developing a growth mindset in the classroom is essential for helping students embrace challenges, persist through difficulties, and see mistakes as learning opportunities. When students believe their abilities can improve with effort and practice, they develop resilience and motivation that extend beyond academics into all areas of life.
By integrating social-emotional learning (SEL) and teaching growth mindset, educators can empower students to develop the confidence and problem-solving skills they need to navigate obstacles with a positive outlook. In this article, we’ll explore growth mindset strategies for students, classroom growth mindset activities, and ways teachers can create a growth mindset for the classroom through structured SEL practices.
What Is a Growth Mindset?
A growth mindset for students is the belief that intelligence, abilities, and talents can develop through effort, persistence, and learning from mistakes. This contrasts with a fixed mindset, where students believe their intelligence and skills are unchangeable.
Growth Mindset Definition for Students
A simple way to explain growth mindset in schools to young learners is: “When you practice and keep trying, your brain gets stronger, and you get better at things over time!”
Why Is Growth Mindset Important for Students?
Students with a growth mindset in education: ✔ Take on Challenges: They see obstacles as growth opportunities rather than roadblocks. ✔ Develop Resilience: They bounce back from misses and keep trying despite setbacks. ✔ Stay Motivated: They understand that effort leads to improvement. ✔ Enjoy Learning: They are more open to feedback and new learning experiences.
By fostering a growth mindset for students, teachers help them develop the perseverance they need for both academic and personal success.
The Connection Between Growth Mindset and SEL
SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) plays a critical role in growth mindset in the classroom. SEL teaches students essential life skills, including emotional regulation, self-awareness, and perseverance—traits that directly support teaching growth mindset.
Through structured SEL programs likeTools of the Heart, students learn to:
Recognize and manage emotions when facing challenges.
Develop self-confidence in their ability to improve and grow.
Practice empathy in learning environments by encouraging peers and embracing collaborative problem-solving.
By integrating SEL principles into growth mindset classroom activities, teachers create a supportive space where students feel safe to take risks, learn from mistakes, and push beyond their comfort zones.
Growth Mindset Strategies for Students
1. Encourage the Power of “Yet”
Students often say, “I can’t do this,” but adding “yet” transforms their mindset: 🔹 “I can’t do this… yet.” 🔹 “I don’t understand… yet.”
This small change shifts their thinking toward progress rather than limitation.
2. Reframe Mistakes as Learning Opportunities
Instead of leaning into fears of failure, students should see mistakes as part of the learning process. Teachers can:
✔ Share personal stories about overcoming challenges. ✔ Celebrate mistakes as evidence of effort and growth. ✔ Encourage reflection by asking students what they learned from their struggles.
3. Praise Effort, Not Just Results
Rather than saying, “You’re so smart!”, focus on effort-driven praise: 🔹 “I love how you kept trying, even when it was hard!” 🔹 “That was a great strategy—you’re improving because of your practice.”
This reinforces a growth mindset for the classroom by highlighting persistence over natural ability.
4. Use Growth Mindset Language
Help students develop a strong growth mindset in education by modeling positive self-talk:
Instead of: “This is hard.” → Say: “This will take time and practice.”
Instead of: “I made a mistake.” → Say: “Mistakes help me learn.”
Instead of: “I’ll never get this.” → Say: “I can improve with effort.”
Language shapes mindset, and consistent reinforcement makes a lasting impact.
Growth Mindset Classroom Activities
1. The Growth Mindset Journal
Encourage students to keep a journal where they:
✔ Write about a challenge they faced and how they handled it. ✔ Reflect on what they learned from a mistake. ✔ Set personal learning goals and track their progress.
This simple activity builds self-awareness and perseverance.
2. Brainstorm “Famous People Who Succeeded With Challenges”
Show students growth mindset examples by discussing people who faced setbacks before succeeding. Examples include:
Thomas Edison (tried and missed 1,000+ times before inventing the lightbulb).
Michael Jordan (was cut from his high school basketball team).
J.K. Rowling (her book was rejected by 12 publishers).
Discuss how these individuals embraced challenges, persisted, and ultimately achieved success.
3. The Growth Mindset Challenge Board
Create a classroom board with weekly challenges that encourage effort and persistence, such as:
✔ “Try something new and share what you learned.” ✔ “Work on a skill you struggle with for 10 minutes a day.” ✔ “Help a friend when they feel stuck.”
This activity promotes growth mindset strategies for students while reinforcing peer encouragement.
4. Fixed vs. Growth Mindset Sort
Provide students with statements and have them sort them into “Fixed Mindset” vs. “Growth Mindset” categories. Examples: ✔ “If I’m not good at something, I should stop trying.” (Fixed) ✔ “With practice, I can improve at anything.” (Growth)
This helps students recognize unhelpful thought patterns and shift toward a growth mindset in schools.
Creating a Growth Mindset Classroom Environment
Incorporating a growth mindset for the classroom goes beyond activities—it’s about creating a culture that values persistence, curiosity, and resilience.
Classroom Growth Mindset Tips
Model Growth Mindset Behavior – Share your own learning experiences and struggles.
Normalize Effort Over Perfection – Encourage students to try their best rather than fear failure.
Celebrate Small Wins – Acknowledge incremental progress in learning.
Encourage Peer Support – Teach students to uplift and encourage each other when facing challenges.
By consistently reinforcing these principles, teachers can create a classroom growth mindset that helps students develop lifelong learning habits.
Empower Your Students with a Growth Mindset
Developing a growth mindset in the classroom transforms the way students approach challenges and setbacks. By integrating growth mindset strategies for students alongside SEL principles, educators help students cultivate perseverance, resilience, and confidence in their ability to grow.
Conflict is a natural part of student interactions, and when handled correctly, it becomes a powerful learning opportunity. Understanding how to resolve conflict between students effectively, equips kids with essential life skills such as problem-solving, empathy, and effective communication. Rather than simply stepping in to resolve disputes, educators can guide students toward independent conflict resolution in the classroom, helping them develop confidence in their ability to manage disagreements constructively.
This article explores the causes of conflict among students, offers examples of conflict between students, and provides actionable strategies for resolving conflicts in the classroom. We’ll also introduce tools like thePeace Path andPeacemaker School Training that empower students to take ownership of their conflicts with guidance and support.
Understanding Classroom Conflict: Common Causes and Examples
Before educators can effectively teach classroom conflict resolution, it’s important to understand why conflicts occur. Conflicts in the classroom often stem from misunderstandings, differences in perspectives, or emotional reactions.
Common Causes of Conflict Among Students
Miscommunication: A simple misunderstanding can escalate into a conflict if not addressed.
Competing Interests: Whether it’s a disagreement over shared resources, group work, or recess games, students often struggle to balance their individual needs with those of others.
Personality Clashes: Students with different temperaments or problem-solving styles may find it challenging to work together.
Unmet Emotional Needs: Feelings of frustration, stress, or exclusion can lead to defensive behavior and conflict.
Cultural and Social Differences: Students from diverse backgrounds may have different ways of expressing emotions and resolving disagreements.
Examples of Conflict Between Students
A Disagreement Over Group Work: Two students working on a project may argue about who should take the lead. One student feels unheard, while the other is frustrated by a lack of participation.
A Playground Dispute: A game of tag leads to an argument about fairness, with one student feeling they were unfairly tagged out.
A Personal Insult or Teasing: One student makes a joke at another’s expense, not realizing it is hurtful, leading to a tense exchange.
Exclusion from Activities: A student feels left out of a social group, leading to resentment and avoidance of group activities.
By recognizing these common scenarios, educators can better equip students with classroom conflict management techniques that turn these moments into learning opportunities.
Steps for Resolving Conflicts in the Classroom
Teaching students how to resolve conflict in the classroom requires a structured approach that emphasizes respect, active listening, and collaboration. Here’s a step-by-step guide for student conflict resolution that educators can implement:
1. Create a Safe Space for Conflict Resolution
Students need to feel emotionally safe before engaging in classroom conflict resolution. Establish a classroom culture that encourages open discussions and respectful disagreement.
Set clear expectations for behavior during conflict discussions.
Encourage students to view conflicts as opportunities for learning rather than as negative experiences.
Designate a specific area in the classroom, like a “Peace Corner.”
2. Teach to Identify the Problem
Many conflicts escalate because students struggle to express what is bothering them. Guide them in defining the root issue by asking:
What happened?
How did it make you feel?
What do you need to feel better?
3. Encourage Active Listening
Students should practice listening without interrupting, ensuring they truly understand each other’s perspectives before responding. This is key to conflict resolution in the classroom.
Have students repeat what they heard to confirm their understanding.
Encourage empathetic listening by asking, “How would you feel if this happened to you?”
Model this behavior by actively listening when students bring up conflicts.
4. Guide Students to Find a Solution Together
Rather than dictating a resolution, empower students to find their own solutions. Ask them:
What can we do to make things better?
How can we make sure this doesn’t happen again?
What is a fair outcome for both of you?
Encouraging students to take responsibility for their actions fosters independence and enhances classroom conflict management skills.
Additionally, conflict resolution tools can help students work through the problem. Tools like thePeace Path provide a structured way for students to articulate their thoughts and emotions while working through student conflict resolution independently.
5. Follow Up and Reinforce Positive Conflict Resolution
After a resolution has been reached, check in with students to ensure they are following through with their agreements. Reinforce positive behaviors by acknowledging when students successfully navigate a conflict.
Praise students for their efforts in resolving conflicts respectfully.
Use group reflections to discuss what worked well and what could be improved.
Introduce ongoing social-emotional learning activities to help students continuously develop their conflict-resolution skills.
Tools to Support Student-Led Conflict Resolution
Helping students become independent problem solvers requires the right tools. Soul Shoppe offers two exceptional resources that support classroom conflict resolution:
The Peace Path: A Step-by-Step Conflict Resolution Tool
ThePeace Path is an interactive guide that walks students through the conflict resolution process. By using structured prompts, students learn to express their emotions, listen actively, and collaborate on solutions.
How It Works:
Students stand on designated spots and take turns speaking.
They use prompts to describe their feelings and needs.
Together, they identify a fair solution and move forward.
Teachers can integrate the Peace Path into daily routines, ensuring that students have a clear and familiar process for resolving conflicts independently.
Peacemaker School Training: Creating a Conflict-Resilient Classroom
For educators who want to implement a long-term conflict resolution strategy, thePeacemaker School Training offers a comprehensive program to teach conflict resolution skills school-wide.
This training equips educators with advanced techniques in resolving conflicts in the classroom and provides structured activities that help students take an active role in fostering a peaceful learning environment.
Key Benefits:
Empowers students to take responsibility for their actions.
Creates a school culture rooted in problem-solving and mutual respect.
Helps students develop emotional intelligence and resilience.
The Lasting Impact of Student-Led Conflict Resolution
Teaching students how to resolve conflict in the classroom is an investment in their future. When students develop strong conflict resolution skills, they gain:
Stronger Relationships: Respectful communication fosters deeper friendships and teamwork.
Increased Confidence: Learning to resolve conflicts independently boosts self-esteem.
Lifelong Problem-Solving Skills: These skills benefit students beyond the classroom, preparing them for success in personal and professional relationships.
By integrating the Peace Path, encouraging student-led solutions, and incorporating structured SEL practices, educators can create classrooms where conflicts become opportunities for learning and growth.
Empower Your Students to Navigate Conflict Successfully
Supporting students in resolving conflicts in the classroom doesn’t mean solving problems for them—it means guiding them to develop the skills to solve them on their own. Soul Shoppe’sPeace Path andPeacemaker School Training provide educators with the tools to transform classroom conflicts into positive learning experiences.
By prioritizing student conflict resolution, we create classrooms filled with empathy, respect, and empowered young problem-solvers.
Explore Soul Shoppe’s conflict management classroom tools today and take the first step toward a more peaceful and collaborative learning environment.
A key aspect to understand in social and emotional learning is the importance of managing emotions. Incorporating ways to manage emotions in a classroom setting can help teach children skills necessary to live rewarding lives. If children can get an education that teaches them how to deal with emotions in a healthy way, they are more likely to thrive.
Managing emotions in a positive way has far-reaching benefits. Not only will a kid with the ability to self-regulate their feelings experience better social interactions, but there are also health benefits to effective emotional management. People who know how to manage their emotions in a positive way will have better cardiovascular health. (HHP) Good emotional health quite literally gives people good hearts.
While there are many techniques that might prove effective for positive emotional management, we have a favorite. The Empty Balloon is an exercise we often implement here at Soul Shoppe.
The Empty Balloon Exercise — How it Works
The Empty Balloon Exercise is an emotional management tool. It begins by having students visualize emotional states as big balloons. As the emotion expands, the imagined balloon expands. And what happens to balloons when they overinflate?
They pop.
In an effort to avoid emotional explosions, the idea is to find ways to release pressure from your emotional ballon before they pop.
Improving Emotional Intelligence for Elementary Students
Emotional intelligence is a critical factor in the effective management of emotions. The practice of improving emotional intelligence is a lifelong challenge for most of us. It’s valuable to prepare children with a solid foundation in understanding how to interpret and manage emotions. This includes their own and those of other people.
In order to improve emotional intelligence, teachers and parents can incorporate certain activities into their curricula. Such as: (DCE)
Self-awareness activities. Activities like journaling and role-playing help children learn self-awareness. Reading is also a good tool for learning self-awareness.
Practicing self-regulation. Exercises like pausing to breathe before reacting and recognizing your own emotions are important. Board games and active games like Simon Says help kids learn and practice self-regulation skills.
Empathy is an important part of improving emotional management. It may not come naturally for children to think about how other kids feel. Activities like check-ins including the whole class, or role-playing help students practice empathy.
Cultivating social skills. Nothing teaches emotional intelligence better than social interaction. Providing children with opportunities to practice social skills gives them practical experience in developing emotional awareness. Team sports and playing games as teams provide good aids in teaching social skills.
A lot goes into emotional intelligence. With a strong grounding in emotional awareness, students can learn lessons to help them manage and control their emotions in healthy ways. (HBS)
Sometimes children find it challenging to differentiate between feelings and emotions. It is important to develop the skills to identify when it is an emotion and when it is a feeling. Feelings are generally immediate reactions to situations, while emotions often involve a deeper psychological reality. (iMotions)
How to Manage and Control Emotions in Healthy Ways
Emotional balloons will inflate. Being human means having emotions. Developing emotional intelligence is a lifelong skill. When kids can identify what they’re feeling, they will have better luck deflating their emotional balloons.
There are a handful of good ways to deflate your emotional balloon. Here are a few: (SoulShoppe)
Hang out with friends. Social interaction helps raise emotional awareness and helps turn negative emotions into positive ones.
Dance it out. Engaging the body with an activity unrelated to a negative emotion helps reduce the pressure in your emotional balloon. Plus…
Listening to music is always a good emotional outlet!
Stop and breathe for a second before doing the next thing.
Read a book. If the problem is getting too deep into your own head, books are great ways to change how you’re thinking.
Give someone a hug. As naturally social animals, humans heal from positive physical contact.
Find a chuckle. Laughing stimulates endorphin production and helps with mood regulation.
Do something creative. Drawing a picture, singing a song, and writing some poetry, are all ways to redirect emotional energy in a positive way.
Talking to someone trustworthy will also help relieve emotional stress a lot of the time.
Cry if you need to!
There are a lot of ways to relieve pressure from your emotional balloon, or even empty it completely.
Peace Corner
Where can students go during the school day when they need a moment to empty their emotional balloons? A peace corner is a safe space that can be created in the classroom or at home where children can empty their emotional balloons. Find out how to create a peace corner here.
There are many opportunities for children to learn how to manage emotions in a positive way, at home and at school. Through creating and sharing social and emotional learning techniques, Soul Shoppe helps teachers and parents at home or in the classroom. Our SEL curriculum for elementary school students help children learn positive emotional management. We have developed tools like the Empty Emotional Balloon exercise and the Peace Corner to bring SEL tools to your curriculum. To learn about online SEL programs for elementary schools, click here. For home school social emotional programs, click here.
Let’s walk through student-centered strategies that give kids the tools to navigate tough moments themselves, with adult support when needed.
Let’s walk through a few ways to open up these conversations with care and connection.
SEL (Social-Emotional Learning) plays a critical role in 
