Finding Common Ground

Social Studies

Students will work in groups to find "win-win" solutions to common middle school problems.

Select television vignettes that show conflicts between:
- friends
- siblings
- boyfriends and girlfriends
- kids and parents
- kids and teachers
Pick a sample conflict from the programs. Show the class the conflict, leaving out the resolution. Ask the class to describe the conflict, and then distribute the Finding Common Ground worksheets. Work through these as a class. Share predictions for resolutions. Do any of these proposals give the sides at least part of what they want? Show the actual resolution and compare it with the class's predictions.
Now divide the class into groups. Show a few conflict vignettes without the endings, and ask each group to select one. Then have them work together to analyze the conflict, using the conflict resolution sheets. Each group will select their best resolution to role-play for the class.
Show the endings of the programs. Compare and contrast the resolutions with those worked out by students. Which are most realistic?

Have students use the conflict resolution sheets to analyze a current personal conflict.
Use the sheets to examine legal, political, or social conflict in the news.