---
title: "Communication Vocabulary"
description: "Know and use the vocabulary of healthy communication and conflict — assertive, passive, aggressive, compromise, conflict, resolution, mediate, bystander, upstander, and peer pressure — and understand "
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/communication-vocabulary-mt_Ag9NSWJu-X
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/communication-vocabulary-mt_Ag9NSWJu-X.md
retrieved: 2026-10-19
---

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# Communication Vocabulary

Know and use the vocabulary of healthy communication and conflict — assertive, passive, aggressive, compromise, conflict, resolution, mediate, bystander, upstander, and peer pressure — and understand the difference between these contrasting approaches

Subject: Personal & Social Development · Area: Friendship & Cooperation · Ages 7 to 11
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/communication-vocabulary-mt_Ag9NSWJu-X

## Ready when they can

- Use 'assertive' correctly and distinguish it from 'aggressive' — e.g. 'Being assertive means saying what I need calmly'
- Explain what 'conflict resolution' means and describe one strategy such as using 'I feel...' statements
- Use words like 'negotiate', 'boundary', and 'respect' accurately in a discussion about friendships

## Lesson: Words for Working Out Disagreements

A conflict is a disagreement between people. Even good friends have conflicts sometimes. The words you choose can turn a small conflict into a fight, or help you reach a fair resolution.

There are three ways to say what you want. Passive means staying quiet and not sharing how you feel. Aggressive means being pushy or mean to get your way. Assertive is the calm middle path: you say what you need clearly and still respect the other person, like 'I feel left out when I'm not picked for the game.'

*(drawing: These four steps help two people work out a conflict together.)*

**Example.** At recess, Jake and Sam argue over a ball. Priya does not take sides. She helps them talk and listen to each other, so she is mediating. Kids who just watch a fight are bystanders. A kid who speaks up to help is an upstander.

**Tip.** Sometimes friends push you to do something you don't want to do. That is peer pressure. An assertive answer like 'No thanks, that's not for me' sets a clear boundary and still shows respect.

**Recap.** Use calm, clear words like assertive, compromise, and mediate to turn a conflict into a resolution instead of a fight.

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Vocabulary: working with others](https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/vocabulary-working-with-others-mt_NS5t-Jzlh8)

## Opens up

- [Giving and Receiving Feedback](https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/giving-and-receiving-feedback-mt_33zncDHC3N)
- [Resolving Disagreements with Friends](https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/resolving-disagreements-with-friends-mt_iWGnyUyN2j)
- [Social Cues and Group Dynamics](https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/social-cues-and-group-dynamics-mt_nqM2OW0Qlm)
- [Working well in a group](https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/working-well-in-a-group-mt_QxsoqVUt6u)
- [Assertive Communication](https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/assertive-communication-mt_rqLMfiw61L)
- [Roles in a Group](https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/roles-in-a-group-mt_w4nSIDhIgC)