Conflict Prevention Strategies
Preventing conflicts is as important as resolving them—many conflicts are predictable and avoidable.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Champions of Character
- Learning area: Socio-Emotional
- Level: EYFS Reception
Objectives
- Identify situations likely to cause conflict
- Apply prevention strategies
- Create peaceful environments
Materials
- Prevention scenario cards
- Environment audit tools
- Strategy menu
Instructions
Identify common conflict situations: sharing limited resources, disagreement about rules, feeling excluded. Brainstorm prevention strategies for each: taking turns, agreeing on rules first, including everyone. Practise applying prevention before activities. Audit classroom environment for conflict-causing situations and problem-solve.
Educator tip
Involve children in classroom setup decisions—they'll be more invested in preventing conflicts they helped plan to avoid.
Assessment
Assess against Early Learning Goals (ELGs). Document evidence of 'expected' or 'exceeding' descriptors. Note: independent application of skills, ability to explain reasoning, and capacity to build on prior learning. Observe identification of conflict-prone situations and application of prevention strategies.