Conflict and Resolution

Objective: Teach children about the concept of conflict in storytelling, its importance, and how to identify and create conflict in their own stories.

Lesson Steps:

1. Introduction to Conflict:

• Explanation:
  • Begin by explaining that conflict is a problem or challenge that characters face in a story. It’s what makes the story interesting and keeps the reader engaged.
  • Use simple terms: “Conflict is what makes stories exciting. It’s the big problem or challenge the characters have to deal with.”
• Example:
  • Use a familiar story like “Cinderella.” Ask, “What is the main problem Cinderella faces?” (Her stepmother and stepsisters treat her badly and prevent her from going to the ball).

2. Types of Conflict:

• Explanation:
  • Introduce the main types of conflict in stories. Keep it simple and use examples they can relate to:
    • Character vs. Character: A conflict between two characters (e.g., Harry Potter vs. Voldemort).
    • Character vs. Self: A conflict within a character’s mind (e.g., Simba in “The Lion King” feeling guilty and scared).
    • Character vs. Nature: A conflict between a character and natural forces (e.g., the animals in “Ice Age” surviving the changing climate).
    • Character vs. Society: A conflict between a character and societal norms or rules (e.g., Katniss Everdeen in “The Hunger Games” fighting against an oppressive government).

3. Why Conflict is Important:

• Explanation:
  • Explain that without conflict, stories would be boring because nothing exciting would happen.
  • Conflict helps characters grow and change. It shows their bravery, intelligence, and kindness as they deal with problems.
• Example:
  • Ask, “What would happen if Harry Potter didn’t have to fight Voldemort?” (The story would be less exciting, and Harry wouldn’t show how brave and determined he is).

4. Identifying Conflict:

• Activity:
  • Read a short story or a chapter from a book together. Pause and ask the children to identify the main conflict.
  • Use questions like, “What problem does the character face?” and “Who or what is causing the problem?”

5. Creating Conflict:

• Activity:
  • Give each child a conflict scenario card with a brief description of a conflict (e.g., “A child loses their favorite toy” or “A group of friends disagrees on what game to play”).
  • Ask the children to write a short story or scene based on the conflict. Encourage them to think about how the character feels and what they do to solve the problem.

6. Sharing and Discussing:

• Activity:
  • Have the children share their stories with the class. Discuss the conflicts in each story and how they make the story more interesting.
  • Ask questions like, “What was the conflict in your story?” and “How did the character try to solve the problem?”

7. Reflecting on Conflict:

• Activity:
  • Ask the children to reflect on what they learned about conflict and why it’s important in stories.
  • Use prompts like, “Why do you think conflict makes a story more exciting?” and “How does a character change because of the conflict?”

8. Continuous Practice:

• Activity:
  • Encourage children to include conflict in all their storytelling activities. Provide regular opportunities for them to write and share stories with different types of conflict.

Conclusion: By the end of this lesson, children should understand that conflict is an essential part of storytelling. It adds excitement, helps characters grow, and keeps the reader engaged. Encourage them to practice identifying and creating conflict in their stories to make their writing more dynamic and interesting.