"I" statements work very well in conflict resolution situations. On the
school bus students may find themselves in a position as a bystander or
participant in minor conflicts that they need to try and resolve without an
adult coaching proper behavior.
The first rule of conflict resolution is to remain calm at all times.
The second rule is to never name call or use a blaming statement.
It doesn't work all the time but I think you'll find that if we can master
some or all of these techniques now children and adults will learn a
valuable life lesson.
1. "I"
2. State what you feel or what you want
3. The event that evoked your feelings or desire (typically something you
BOTH can agree on) and
4. The effect the event has on YOU.
EXAMPLE
•The person sitting next to you opens a window and calls out to a
pedestrian walking their dog.
Ex: “I’m upset when you open the window and yell out because the younger
children may think that it is OK. It is against the bus rules. I know I
wouldn’t like to be yelled at from a bus. Would you please not do that
again?”
Role play what to do while obeying bus rules.
• Almost all of the students have been dropped off the bus and you are
one of the few left on the bus. You are sitting in the back of
an empty bus and would like to move forward.
• A student cuts you in the bus line in the gym or cafeteria. They
like to sit in the back of the bus but so do you.
• A student on the bus calls your friend a name.
• The bus is crowded and the one seat that is left is blocked by
another student. The student sitting there says you may not sit
there.
• A younger student is changing seats when the bus is moving.
