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Teaching Compromise to Students at the Elementary Level in 2024

If you are an elementary teacher looking to learn how to help your students compromise, then you found the right place! Compromising skills prepare kids to solve problems and make decisions with their peers. Students who are able to compromise are more likely to maintain collaborative friendships. In this post, we’ll go into detail about what compromise is and why it’s important. In addition, we’ll share tips and ideas for teaching compromise to students in an elementary classroom setting. Read all about helping students compromise in and out of the classroom below!

compromise writing activity and coloring page

What Does Compromise Mean?

Compromise means settling an argument or problem where both sides give something up in order to reach an agreement. When compromising each side gives up something but also gains something. Compromise is especially prevalent in conflict resolution. 

compromise writing activities

Why is it Important for Kids to Compromise?

It is important for kids to compromise because it teaches them how to solve conflicts. It also helps be comfortable with other people getting their way, and reaching resolutions to their problems that help both parties. Compromise helps students maintain friendships because they will be a fair friend who doesn’t always have to get their way. 

social emotional learning sorting activity

How Do I Know If I Need to Teach Compromise in My Classroom?

The students in your 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th or 5th grade classroom would benefit from compromise lessons and activities if any of these statements are true:

  • Students frequently argue with each other.
  • Students have a hard time deciding what game to play.
  • You notice that one student always chooses the activities during recess.
  • Students show inflexible behavior.
  • Students keep repeatedly getting into the same argument.
social emotional journal activities compromising

5 Reasons To Promote Compromise In Your Elementary Classroom

Below are 5 reasons to promote compromise in your elementary classroom.

1. Students will gain conflict resolution skills

Compromising is a popular way to end conflicts. Teaching students to compromise will give them the conflict resolution skills necessary for solving arguments and disputes with classmates. This will also help your classroom community. 

2. Students will be better friends to each other

Students who can compromise are better friends to each other because they have learned the give and take of friendship. They know that friends have to take turns and that not everything can go one person’s way. They also learn how to solve conflicts with their friends. 

teaching compromise sel activity compromising

3. Students will become more flexible thinkers 

Students who can compromise are more flexible thinkers because they have learned that they can’t always have things go their own way. They have learned that sometimes you need to let other people be in charge, pick the game, or decide what to do. They have also learned that it is possible for each person to give up something in order to reach an agreement. 

4. Students will be independent problem solvers 

Students who can compromise will be more independent problem solvers because they have learned this strategy for setting a conflict. They can solve their problems with their peers instead of going to an adult. 

5. Students will gain confidence 

Students who can compromise will gain confidence in themselves through practicing the give and take of compromise. They will know that they have the skills to solve their conflicts with peers and that they don’t need to go to an adult first. When a problem arises they will be comfortable using compromise as a strategy. 

compromise coloring page, choice board, and other activities

5 Tips and Ideas for Teaching Compromise 

Below are 5 tips and ideas for teaching compromise to elementary students.

1. Read Aloud Picture Books about Compromise 

Picture books are a great way to introduce and teach an SEL topic. It gets students thinking about the topic and activating their background knowledge. Check out this list of picture books for teaching compromise!

2. Watch Videos about Compromise

There are tons of free online videos out there that promote social emotional learning. It’s a fun and engaging way to teach SEL skills that your students will enjoy. Check out these videos for teaching compromise!

journal pages social emotional learning

Vocabulary words can help students develop understanding of compromise and create connections through related words. Our compromise SEL unit includes ten vocabulary cards with words related to the SEL topic. It is important for students to be able to see, hear, and use relevant vocabulary while learning. One idea for how to use them is to create an SEL word wall as students learn the words.

4. Provide Practice Opportunities

When learning any skill, students need time to practice. Social emotional learning skills are no different! Our compromise SEL unit includes scenario cards, discussion cards, choice boards, games, and much more. These provide students with opportunities to practice the skills independently, with partners or small groups, or as a whole class.

5. Integrate Other Content Areas

Integrating other content areas with this topic is a great way to approach this SEL topic. Our compromise SEL unit includes reading, writing, and art activities.

scenario prompts for teaching compromise
activity page and discussion cards for teaching compromise

Skills Related to Compromise

When discussing the social emotional learning (SEL) or character education topic of compromise, which refers to finding a middle ground or reaching a mutually satisfactory agreement, there are several other words and phrases that convey a similar meaning. These alternative terms emphasize the concept of negotiation, cooperation, and finding common solutions. Here are some words used in the context of compromise:

  1. Collaboration: Working together and combining efforts to achieve a shared goal.
  2. Negotiation: Engaging in discussions to reach a mutually acceptable agreement or solution.
  3. Finding a balance: Seeking a middle ground or equilibrium between different perspectives or interests.
  4. Reaching consensus: Arriving at a shared decision or position through open communication and discussion.
  5. Give-and-take: The process of making concessions and considering others’ viewpoints in order to find common ground.
  6. Conflict resolution: Finding a resolution to disagreements or conflicts by finding compromises that satisfy all parties involved.
  7. Mutual agreement: Coming to an understanding or accord that considers the needs and perspectives of all individuals.
  8. Finding common ground: Identifying shared interests or objectives that allow for compromise and cooperation.
  9. Meeting in the middle: Reaching a compromise by finding a solution that is acceptable to all parties involved.
  10. Problem-solving together: Collaboratively working through challenges and finding solutions that meet the needs of all stakeholders.

These words and phrases highlight the importance of compromise in interpersonal relationships, teamwork, and conflict resolution within the framework of social emotional learning (SEL) or character education.

teaching compromise sel flip book
teaching compromise sel word search

Download the SEL Activities

Click an image below to either get this individual compromise unit or get ALL 30 SEL units!

Compromise SEL UnitSocial Emotional Learning Units Bundle
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In closing, we hope you found this information about teaching compromise to students helpful! If you did, then you may also be interested in these posts.

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