Great Ideas!:
Using Violent and Nonviolent Methods to Solve Problems

Lesson Objective:

Students will identify situations in which violent and nonviolent methods can be used.

Grade Level and Subject Area:

7-12/ Language Arts and Social Studies

Activities and Strategies:

Have students write down all the examples of violence they have personally witnessed during the past week. Solicit several responses to list on the board. Then have students work in small groups to list ways to avoid these violent acts or ways to use nonviolent methods. The teacher can then list students' responses on the board and ask students to think about how the consequences of a nonviolent method would differ from the violent one. How would each approach affect the people involved?

Then play a game in which everyone in the class forms a tight circle. One person will remain outside the circle and then try to get in the circle. Note what method is used to enter the circle. Discuss the feelings of the person left out (e.g., frustration, anger,). Now play the game again, using a nonviolent method to enter the circle. Brainstorm as many nonviolent methods as possible to enter the circle (e.g., asking, bartering, bribing, or changing the goal of entering the circle).

Meredith Ebert, Southeastern Junior High, Stokes County, NC & North Carolina Association for the Gifted and Talented, Inc.

This document was last updated 6/30/97 by Chandra Hawley.
Copyright1996 Indiana University - Center for Adolescent Studies, all rights reserved.
Kris Bosworth - Director tattling, and even stealing other girls' boyfriends" is more prevalent

Whatever the definition, many adults worry about the negative effects of conflict and violence in our schools. In this issue of Teacher Talk, Forum participants talk about the nature of conflict in the schools. We expect that it will inform you, provoke new questions, and inspire you to learn more about this serious topic.

This document was last updated 6/29/97 by Chandra Hawley.
Copyright1996 Indiana University - Center for Adolescent Studies, all rights reserved.
Kris Bosworth - Director