Conflict Resolution Reading Comprehension Passages — Grade 3

About this resource

Same group project, two different ideas of fair. These conflict resolution reading comprehension passages give Grade 3 readers ten texts at F&P levels N–P, from a group-project mix-up to wolves that howl without fighting. Building Relationship Skills, one of the five CASEL competencies, the set gives third graders a repertoire of cool-down and talk-it-through tools.

What students practice

• Naming the three common causes of conflict
• Handling a disagreement by shutting down or talking calmly
• Cooling down before returning to a conflict
• Telling the full story of what happened
• Sharing what is wrong with “I feel…when…because…”

What’s inside

• 10 passages at F&P levels N–P, from how-to guides to science pieces and real-world features
• 5 multiple-choice questions per passage
• 2 open-ended questions per passage for written answers or discussion
• Answer key for the conflict resolution multiple-choice questions on one page
• 36 pages, with an overview of the passages, levels and SEL focus

A look inside

• The Group Project Mix-Up: a student changes the plan without telling anyone.
• Meet Zahra: The Problem Solver: she helps younger kids settle playground arguments.
• Why Wolves Howl in Groups: howling coordinates and settles territory disputes without fighting.
• Conflict at the Kickball Field: a rule dispute ends with the class creating new rules together.
• The “I Message” Tool: a strategy for sharing what’s wrong without making the other person defensive.

How to use these conflict resolution reading passages

• Guided reading groups at levels N–P, then a talk about how each character cooled down
• Partner reading, then trade answers to the two open-ended questions
• SEL reading comprehension: read How to “Cool Down” a Conflict and talk about why calming down is not giving in
• Independent practice or homework, checked with the one-page answer key

Grade fit

Written for Grade 3 readers, with levels from N to P. The reading passages with questions mix lines, rules and group work, the places where third graders argue most.

Digital version

With the interactive digital version, you share one link and students read each passage and answer the questions on any device, with no student logins. At the end they download an answer sheet to hand in.

Pairs well with

After reading, move to Conflict Resolution Scenario Cards for decision practice, or act out the ideas with Conflict Resolution Role Play Scenarios.