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https://www.storyboardthat.com/lesson-plans/conflict-management-and-resolution/types-of-conflicts
Lesson Plan Overview
Template and Class Instructions
Student Rubric
Lesson Plan Overview
Lesson Plan Overview
Conflict is when a person or group experiences resistance in relation to a desired outcome. Visualizing different conflict scenarios that impact one person can be an effective way to learn. Students may be familiar with these concepts from their literary class, but not be aware that they extend to real life! As an introductory activity, have students create a spider map that defines and illustrates each type of conflict that someone can encounter. You can provide them with the list below, or have them identify them on their own.
Conflict Definitions and Types
Person vs. Self (Interpersonal)
An individual has an internal struggle.
Person vs. Person (Intrapersonal)
An individual or group face opposition or resistance from another person or group or people.
Person vs. Society (Social Conflict)
An individual or group faces opposition to traditions, cultural norms, or laws.
Person vs. Nature
An individual or group faces opposition to the forces of nature.
Person vs. Technology
An individual or group face resistance from technology.
Conflict of Interest
The actions or intentions of one individual conflict with the intended outcomes of the relationship.
Template and Class Instructions
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard describing and illustrating each type of conflict.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the type of conflict in the each title box.
- Describe the meaning of the cell and explain how it matches the title.
- Create a picture of each conflict in the cell using a combination of appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Types of Conflict
Students will create a spider map storyboard which visualizes the various types of conflicts someone could experience.
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conflict | The cell used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey someone experiencing each type of conflict. The conflict type is clear to the viewer. The cell does not need a description to convey the conflict message. | The cell used adequate school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey someone experiencing each type of conflict. The conflict type is clear to the viewer. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey someone experiencing each type of conflict. The conflict type is unclear to the viewer. The description is needed to reinforce understanding. |
| Description | The description and title effectively explain the correct conflict provided in the cell. The description also defines the conflict in the student's own words. | The description and title explain the correct conflict provided in the cell. The description does not define the conflict in the student's own words. | There is a missing title and description or description does not match the image created in the cell. |
| Structure and Grammar | Six cells were used in the story, including titles and descriptions. There are few to no grammar or spelling mistakes. | Six cells were used in the story, including titles and descriptions. There are some grammar or spelling mistakes, but understanding of content is clear. | There are too many grammar or spelling mistakes, creating an unclear understanding of content. |
Lesson Plan Overview
Conflict is when a person or group experiences resistance in relation to a desired outcome. Visualizing different conflict scenarios that impact one person can be an effective way to learn. Students may be familiar with these concepts from their literary class, but not be aware that they extend to real life! As an introductory activity, have students create a spider map that defines and illustrates each type of conflict that someone can encounter. You can provide them with the list below, or have them identify them on their own.
Conflict Definitions and Types
Person vs. Self (Interpersonal)
An individual has an internal struggle.
Person vs. Person (Intrapersonal)
An individual or group face opposition or resistance from another person or group or people.
Person vs. Society (Social Conflict)
An individual or group faces opposition to traditions, cultural norms, or laws.
Person vs. Nature
An individual or group faces opposition to the forces of nature.
Person vs. Technology
An individual or group face resistance from technology.
Conflict of Interest
The actions or intentions of one individual conflict with the intended outcomes of the relationship.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard describing and illustrating each type of conflict.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the type of conflict in the each title box.
- Describe the meaning of the cell and explain how it matches the title.
- Create a picture of each conflict in the cell using a combination of appropriate scenes, characters, and items.
Lesson Plan Reference
Student Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
Types of Conflict
Students will create a spider map storyboard which visualizes the various types of conflicts someone could experience.
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conflict | The cell used exemplary school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey someone experiencing each type of conflict. The conflict type is clear to the viewer. The cell does not need a description to convey the conflict message. | The cell used adequate school-appropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey someone experiencing each type of conflict. The conflict type is clear to the viewer. | The cell used inappropriate scenes, characters, and text to convey someone experiencing each type of conflict. The conflict type is unclear to the viewer. The description is needed to reinforce understanding. |
| Description | The description and title effectively explain the correct conflict provided in the cell. The description also defines the conflict in the student's own words. | The description and title explain the correct conflict provided in the cell. The description does not define the conflict in the student's own words. | There is a missing title and description or description does not match the image created in the cell. |
| Structure and Grammar | Six cells were used in the story, including titles and descriptions. There are few to no grammar or spelling mistakes. | Six cells were used in the story, including titles and descriptions. There are some grammar or spelling mistakes, but understanding of content is clear. | There are too many grammar or spelling mistakes, creating an unclear understanding of content. |
How Tos about Conflict Management: Knowing the Types of Conflicts
1
Plan a low-prep classroom role-play to practice conflict resolution
Role-playing helps students apply conflict management strategies in a realistic, engaging way. By acting out scenarios, students gain confidence and practice respectful communication skills.
2
Choose relatable conflict scenarios for your students
Select situations that match your students' age group and classroom dynamics. Use examples from school life, such as group projects or playground disagreements, to make the activity more meaningful.
3
Assign clear roles and explain expectations
Designate students as participants, observers, or mediators. Clarify rules for respectful behavior and remind students the goal is to practice solutions, not to win an argument.
4
Guide students through the role-play and pause for reflection
Facilitate the scenario, stepping in as needed to prompt students or keep the discussion on track. Pause occasionally to discuss choices, emotions, and possible outcomes.
5
Debrief as a class and connect lessons to real life
Encourage students to share what strategies worked and how they felt. Discuss how these approaches can help them handle conflict outside the classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions about Conflict Management: Knowing the Types of Conflicts
What are the main types of conflict students should know?
The main types of conflict students should know are: Person vs. Self (internal struggle), Person vs. Person (disagreement with others), Person vs. Society (conflict with societal norms), Person vs. Nature (challenges from natural forces), Person vs. Technology (issues with technology), and Conflict of Interest (clashing intentions in relationships).
How can teachers introduce conflict management to middle or high school students?
Teachers can introduce conflict management by having students create a spider map or storyboard to define and illustrate each type of conflict. This helps students visualize scenarios and relate them to real life, not just literature.
What is the difference between Person vs. Self and Person vs. Person conflict?
Person vs. Self involves an individual’s internal struggle or decision-making, while Person vs. Person is an external conflict with another person or group. Both challenge the individual but in different ways.
Why is it important for students to recognize different types of conflicts?
Recognizing different types of conflicts helps students understand situations in literature and real life, improves problem-solving skills, and prepares them for effective conflict resolution in school and beyond.
What is a simple conflict management classroom activity for grades 6–12?
A simple classroom activity is to have students create a visual vocabulary board or storyboard that defines, describes, and illustrates each type of conflict using scenes and characters. This engages students and reinforces understanding.
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StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office
