The I Statement Game Activity Kit (K–2)

About this resource

“You made me mad” starts a fight; “I feel upset when you take my toy without asking” starts a conversation. The I Statement Game is a conflict resolution SEL activity kit for kindergarten and Grades K–2 that teaches young students that switch with scenario cards, a fill-in template and partner role-play. It builds calm, respectful communication, a Relationship Skills focus.

What students practice

• Using the frame “I feel ___ when you ___ because ___”
• Turning blame into a calm statement
• Responding kindly to a friend’s I statement
• Practicing on everyday conflicts

What’s inside

• A teacher script with timed steps, plus a flexible outline for teachers who prefer their own words
• 32 Conflict Scenario Cards, short situations in two card layouts
• An “I” Statement Template: I feel (emotion) when you (behavior) because (reason), with an example
• Role-Playing Prompt Cards with speaker and listener reminders, such as speak clearly and calmly, and show empathy
• A five-question Reflection Questions Worksheet and an “I” Statement Poster with the formula and two examples; 29 pages in all

A look inside

• Teacher script example card: “Your friend broke your crayon.”
• “I” Statement Poster: “I feel sad when you don’t play with me because I want to be friends.”
• Conflict Scenario Cards: 32 short situations, such as someone cut in line or a friend shared your secret

How to use this I statement game kit

• Show the difference between blaming and sharing with a quick example, then build an “I” statement together from a student’s real experience
• Give each child a scenario card, such as a friend who broke your crayon, and turn it into an “I” statement
• In pairs, one student says the statement and the other responds kindly, then they switch
• Point to the poster in the middle of a real disagreement

Grade fit

The short scenarios, a fill-in frame and a poster to point to suit kindergarten through Grade 2. Among conflict resolution activities, this one stays short and concrete, one of the SEL activities that fits a conflict-resolution unit.

Pairs well with

For older students, try My Conflict Resolution Plan, or add feelings words with Express Yourself.