Conflict management can be tough for middle schoolers, but these modules will help you teach your students to "put the brakes" on their emotions.
Middle school is a challenging period in any student\u2019s life, and learning how to manage conflicts in a healthy way is crucial for their success. At this age, students\u2019 self-esteem and sensitivity to criticism are at an all-time high.
That is why the BeCool Middle School program is essential in teaching your students how to navigate the emotional storms of interpersonal relationships during these pivotal years. It is a comprehensive set of resources designed to help educators teach students how to handle challenging situations using peer video modeling\u2014a proven technique that lets students watch age-matched peers demonstrate effective responses in real time.
The program is broken down into five modules totaling over three hours of instruction that aim to help students \u201cput the brakes on\u201d their emotions and let reason kick in when faced with difficulties. The modules cover various topics, from understanding others\u2019 perspectives and communicating effectively to dealing with anger and conflict resolution.
Each module is paired with a detailed teacher\u2019s guide containing discussion prompts, role-play activities, and reproducible handouts. With the BeCool Middle School program, educators can provide students with the tools they need to navigate relationships with their peers and adults respectfully. This program is available as a standalone license or as part of the Stanfield+ subscription (99/yr for your full digital library).
This curriculum is presented in a relaxed, child-friendly format that makes it accessible for even the youngest students.
The BeCool Conflict Management program is designed to address four classes of difficult behaviors that can be expressed by others. In each of the video scenarios, a character is challenged by a difficult person trying to intimidate or manipulate them. The program models three different ways to respond to these situations: blowing up or \u201cHOT,\u201d giving up or \u201cCOLD,\u201d and being in control or \u201cCOOL.\u201d
The program also teaches over 20 specific assertive techniques to cope with conflict in everyday situations such as sharing, keeping promises, peer pressure, and handling frustration.
BeCool teaches much more than a violence prevention program; it helps students build self-confidence by giving them tools to navigate conflict effectively. With peer video modeling, students can see how their peers handle difficult situations, creating a safe and supportive learning environment. The program is research-based and has shown to be effective in teaching conflict management to all levels.
The BeCool program teaches students how to be proactive in resolving conflicts, empowering them to take control of their lives. The program teaches students how to express their emotions in a healthy way and be assertive in their communication. These skills are essential for building healthy relationships and building self-confidence.
Module 1: Criticism
Criticism can be hard to take, even for adults. For middle schoolers, it can be especially difficult. Our program teaches students how to respond to valid and invalid criticism without losing their cool.
They will learn how to listen carefully to feedback and evaluate it objectively, rather than taking it personally. They will also learn how to respond assertively, rather than getting defensive or giving up.
Module 2: Teasing
Teasing can be a constant source of stress for middle schoolers. Our program teaches students the COOL way to maintain dignity and self-control when faced with teasing from peers. They will learn how to use humor to deflect teasing, how to stay calm and collected, and how to set boundaries when necessary.
Module 3: Bullying
Bullying can take many forms, from verbal to physical to gender-based harassment. Our program teaches students the tools they need to cope with all types of bullying. They will learn how to stay calm and collected in the face of bullying, how to set boundaries, and how to get help when necessary.
Module 4: Coping With Anger/Others
When someone is angry with us, it can be hard to know how to respond. Our program teaches students how to respond assertively, rather than getting defensive or aggressive. They will learn how to use the BeCool method of assertion to respond to anger directed towards them.
Module 5: Coping With Anger/Self
Sometimes, we feel angry at ourselves, and it can be hard to know what to do with those feelings. Our program teaches students how to assertively act on angry feelings they have towards others by using the BeCOOL 4-Step Plan. Students practice identifying the self-talk patterns that fuel their anger and replacing them with rational, calming thoughts.
Students will feel empowered as they put these concepts into practice and start seeing positive results in their relationships.
The BeCool Middle School program is a comprehensive program that can help your students develop critical social and emotional skills that last well beyond the classroom.
In today\u2019s world, students need to possess a range of social and emotional skills to succeed in life. As an educator, you are aware of the importance of developing these skills in your students.
At times it may seem like a daunting task, but with the BeCool Middle School program, you are just a few clicks away from giving your students the tools they need. The program has been developed to help improve children\u2019s conflict resolution abilities, enabling them to navigate life\u2019s ups and downs with confidence. Teachers who use BeCool consistently report fewer office referrals, calmer hallway interactions, and stronger peer relationships among their students.
Because the program relies on peer video modeling, lessons feel authentic rather than lecture-based\u2014students see kids their own age practicing the COOL response and are more likely to internalize the skills. With this program, your students will be better equipped to navigate life\u2019s challenges, build strong relationships, and lead happier, more fulfilling lives.
Don\u2019t wait any longer to give your students the tools they need to succeed. BeCool Middle School is available as a standalone license or through the Stanfield+ subscription (99/yr for your school\u2019s full digital library).
The skills learned are designed to be lifelong assets, aiding students in feeling secure and connected throughout their educational journey and beyond.
| Part 1 — 5 activities | |
| 1 |
Understanding Criticism
Discuss and answer the following questions!
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| 2 |
Coping with Criticism
Today, we're going to meet Vanessa, a budding student chef, and see how she handles criticism from her cooking class teacher, Ms. Andrews.
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| 3 |
The COLD Response
Discuss and answer the following questions!
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| 4 |
The HOT Response
Discuss and answer the following questions!
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| 5 |
The COOL Response
Discuss and answer the following questions!
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| Part 2 — 5 activities | |
| 1 |
Review
Discuss and answer the following questions!
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| 2 |
Explain Your Side
When Trey shows up late for dinner, his Mom starts to criticize him for being inconsiderate. Trey finds this criticism unfair and needs to talk to his...
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| 3 |
The COLD Response
Discuss and answer the following questions!
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| 4 |
The HOT Response
Discuss and answer the following questions!
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| 5 |
The COOL Response
Discuss and answer the following questions!
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| Part 1 — 5 activities | |
| 1 |
Understanding Teasing
Discuss and answer the following questions!
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| 2 |
Coping with Teasing
Tony is caught in an embarrassing situation. Now his friends can't stop teasing him.
Tony shows the three different ways to handle this teasing "COL...
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| 3 |
The COLD Response
Discuss and answer the following questions!
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| 4 |
The HOT Response
Discuss and answer the following questions!
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| 5 |
The COOL Response
Discuss and answer the following questions!
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| Part 2 — 5 activities | |
| 1 |
Review
Discuss and answer the following questions!
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BeCool Middle School is designed for students ages 10-14, including those with intellectual disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, learning disabilities, and emotional/behavioral needs. The content uses video modeling with real-life scenarios that work across ability levels.
The program includes 16 lessons with approximately 3.5 Hrs of video content. Each lesson includes streaming video content, a comprehensive digital teacher's guide with step-by-step instructions, printable student worksheets, discussion activities, and assessment tools. All materials are accessible from any browser.
Yes. BeCool Middle School is included in Stanfield+ ($999/year for the full 60+ program library). Both plans include a 30-day free trial with no credit card required.
BeCool Middle School aligns to CASEL Social-Emotional Learning standards, ASCA Mindsets & Behaviors, and IEP Goal Domains. Standards alignment documentation is available for every lesson to support compliance and IEP planning.
Yes. All Stanfield programs stream from any browser — smartboards, projectors, Chromebooks, tablets, or any internet-connected device. The entire library is also closed-captioned for accessibility.
BeCool Middle School uses Stanfield's signature video modeling approach — students watch real scenarios where characters demonstrate both ineffective and effective responses to conflict. This "see it, then do it" method helps students internalize appropriate responses before they face real situations.