Conflict resolution managers need to have an understanding for the emotions of the students they will be trying to help. Playing this simple activity will allow them to explore their own feelings in a safe environment, discuss the reactions of others and apply the information in their role while minimizing conflict on the playground or in the hallways. The group must stand in a circle facing one another. Toss a beach ball to one student and ask the question "What makes you angry?" This student must answer with the first idea that comes to mind. Talk briefly about why the student feels anger under those particular circumstances and how the feelings of anger are displayed. Continue tossing the ball and discussing the reasons each student in the circle feels anger and how those feelings demonstrate themselves.
Children bring a wide variety of experiences and emotions with them to school. For some students, school is a safe haven. For other students, it provides an outlet for negative emotions. Help conflict managers see the variety of emotions that one group of students may be experiencing at any given time. Pass out a 5 x 8 index card and marker to each student. Have students reflect on their emotions of the day. In large letters, they must write one emotion they felt during the school day. Arrange the group in a circle. Each student should hold up his card and read the cards of others. Discuss the wide variety of emotions represented in just that small group. Students should apply this concept to the playground and to the student body of the school with whom they will be working.
People deal with conflict in a variety of ways. Lead your group of conflict resolution managers through an illustration that will demonstrate how others view conflict. As the group is seated at desks or around a table, you stand in the center of the room. Tell the group that you represent conflict. Each student in the group must individually choose a location in the room to stand, in relation to conflict, that represents how she feels about conflict. If she tends to shy away from conflict, encourage her to stand in a location in the room that is far away from you. If she tends to stir up conflict or comfortably face conflict head-on, invite her to stand right next to you. When all students have chosen spots in which to stand, discuss the varying places within the group and how students on the playground may feel about conflict.
Make a large selection of colored construction paper available to the group of conflict resolution managers. Tell each student to choose a color that represents conflict to him. Seat the group in a circle and have each student tell why he chose his color. When conflict resolution managers feel comfortable with talking about anger and conflict, that feeling translates to their role when managing conflict. Experience and confidence with talking about emotions and gaining empathy for others' feelings, which may be different from their own reactions, will allow them to become effective leaders for their student body.