# A Four-Step Problem-Solving Model for Conflict Resolution

| Four-step problem-solving model |  |
| --- | --- |
| 1. Identify the problem: What are you arguing about?
• Have the other person state his or her wants and feel
• Describe how you feel.
• Read the other person's body language.
• Summarize both people's wants and feelings and they suggest. Is there a disagreement? |  |
| 2. Develop a plan (solutions): List some of the ways you solve this problem. Each person should generate at least solutions.
• Is someone willing to compromise?
• It is important to be open minded and respectful of being spiteful or sarcastic during the brainstorm ideas step.
• Which way seems the most reasonable, responsible respectful for those involved? |  |
| 3. Evaluate the plan: Determine if the plan will work.
• What would happen if...?  
• Would it be safe and fair?  
• How would everyone feel?  
• Does it work for all involved?  
• Is it a win-win situation?  
• Is the plan realistic and will it help make the situation. |  |

|  | Situation 1 example | Situation 2 example |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Belings. What |  |  |
| You can least two instead of making of simple, and better? |  |  |
| Can it be better? |  |  |

Merrell’s Strong Kids—Grades 3–5: A Social and Emotional Learning Curriculum, Second Edition,  
by Dianna Carrizales-Engelmann, Laura L. Feuerborn, Barbara A. Gueldner, and Oanh K. Tran.