Conflict resolution/Self-discipline

Students will define the character trait self-discipline by listening to the story Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes. They will then learn a 3R strategy: Retreat, Rethink, and React, in order to handle conflicts. This strategy can be applied to the events in this story.

A lesson plan for grades K–5 Guidance

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Related topics

• Learn more about appropriate behavior, character education, conflict resolution, guidance, and read-alouds.

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Learning outcomes

Students will identify and define the character trait “Self-Discipline.” They will then create a plan which will help them use self-discipline by applying the 3R Strategy - Retreat, Rethink, React.

Teacher planning

Time required for lesson

45 minutes

Materials/resources

• Book: Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes
• Paper/Pencils

Pre-activities

Possible character trait lesson on friendship or any other conflict resolution activities. The lesson could also be used in isolation.

Activities

1. Read the story Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse. Preface the story by asking the students to listen to find out what happens to Lilly when she does not use Self-Discipline, and what she could have done instead. Ask students to identify what the word “self-discipline” means after listening to the story.
2. Teach the 3R strategy of handling anger and conflict to the students. Provide examples of each from the story on the incorrect way to use the 3R method:
   • Lilly “Reacted” first by creating the negative picture of her teacher.
   • Then she “Retreated” by going home that day, angry after school, and on her way home she saw the note and the snacks from her teacher.
   • Then she used “Rethink” after she felt bad and wrote the apology to her teacher.
3. Allow the students to create the correct way of using the 3R Strategy with the help of the counselor or teacher. This 3R strategy is a method for using Self-Discipline, or Self-Control.
   • Lilly could Retreat first, by walking or moving away from the situation in order to calm down.
   • Then she could Rethink what she wanted to say or do.
   • Lilly could then React in a more positive way, without hurting herself or anyone else.

Assessment

In order to assess the students, they can write a letter to Lilly, suggesting the 3R strategy or other useful ways to deal with anger. Students should use the correct format for writing letters.

Supplemental information

A teacher/counselor-created handout titled, “Safe Ways to Handle Anger” could be included with relaxation techniques, taking a walk, punching or hitting safely, etc.

Comments

This lesson is easily adaptable in an individual or group counseling setting with students in conflict. I have already adapted the 3R’s for 6-8th graders dealing with self-control issues. The counselor can break down the student’s negative way of dealing with the 3R’s, then have the student rearrange the 3R’s using self-discipline and write how he/she could use this strategy in the future.