Use non-violent communication
Practice nonviolent communication by role playing feelings, needs, and respectful requests with a partner, using I statements and active listening exercises.
Step-by-step guide to practice nonviolent communication through role play
NonViolent Communication by Marshal Rosenberg : Animated Book Summary
Step 1
Put two chairs facing each other across a small space.
Step 2
Fold a sheet of paper into small cards and write one feeling word on each card.
Step 3
Fold another sheet of paper into cards and write one need or want on each card.
Step 4
Choose who will be the Speaker and who will be the Listener for the first round.
Step 5
Speaker pick one feeling card and think of a real short example that caused that feeling.
Step 6
Speaker say an "I" statement out loud using this pattern: "I feel ___ when ___ because I need ___."
Step 7
Listener listen quietly without interrupting and make eye contact.
Step 8
Listener paraphrase what they heard by starting with "I hear you..." and naming the feeling or need.
Step 9
Listener ask one short clarifying question like "Can you tell me more about that?"
Step 10
Speaker make one simple respectful request using "Would you be willing to..." and name a specific action.
Step 11
Switch roles with your partner and repeat Steps 5 to 10 for at least two more rounds.
Step 12
Take turns saying one thing you liked about how your partner listened.
Step 13
Share a photo or write about your role-play and post your finished creation on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use if we don't have two chairs or sheets of paper for the cards?
Use two cushions or stools in place of chairs and tear scrap paper, index cards, or sticky notes instead of folding a sheet into cards as directed in Steps 1–3.
What should we do if the Listener keeps interrupting during the Speaker's turn?
If interruptions happen during Step 7, give the Speaker a small physical 'speaking token' (a folded feeling card or a small toy) to hold until they're finished so the Listener follows the no-interrupt rule and Steps 7–8 work properly.
How can we adapt this activity for younger or older children?
For preschoolers, draw faces on the folded feeling and need cards in Steps 2–3 and have Speakers use a very short example with Listeners paraphrasing one word in Step 8, while older kids can create longer scenarios, add follow-up questions in Step 9, and write a reflective post for Step 13.
How can we make the exercise more engaging or personalize it?
Have kids decorate and color their feeling and need cards (Steps 2–3), award a simple 'listening compliment' token after Step 11, and take the photo or write a creative caption for the DIY.org post in Step 13 to personalize the outcome.
Watch videos on how to practice nonviolent communication through role play
What Are The Four Steps In The Nonviolent Communication Process? - Special Education Learning
4 Videos
What Are The Four Steps In The Nonviolent Communication Process? - Special Education Learning
The Non-Violent Communication Model
Educators: Learn How to Use Nonviolent Communication
Nonviolent Communication For Beginners
Facts about communication skills for kids
❤️ Schools that teach social-emotional skills, including respectful communication, report better teamwork and fewer behavior problems.
💬 'I' statements (like “I feel… when… because…”) help speakers own their feelings and make clearer, kinder requests.
👂 Active listening often uses reflection (repeating or summarizing) and makes people feel heard and less defensive.
🕊️ Nonviolent Communication was developed by psychologist Marshall Rosenberg in the 1960s to help people express feelings and needs without blame.
🎭 Role-playing gives kids a safe space to try new words and actions—research shows it can boost empathy and social confidence.
How to practice nonviolent communication with role play
Materials needed to practice nonviolent communication
What ages are suitable for NVC role play
Benefits, safety tips, and variations for NVC practice
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