Recently, it has been advocated that people wear a safety pin to indicate to those subjected to hate and bias that they are in solidarity with them. But think before you put on that pin… Is it an empty gesture? Wearing a safety pin as a label can be just another way of othering people […]
Tomorrow people in the United States will be voting. The outcome of the election is unknown. But what is known is that, no matter which candidate wins whether they are are running for mayor, judgeship, senator, or president, there is one thing they need to do, and what we need to do every moment, every […]
American songwriter, Woody Guthrie, was born in 1912 in Oklahoma. His songs documented the trials of the dust bowl years and the depression, the labor movement and the anti-war movement. His most well-known song is This Land is Your Land has been sung by millions. However, the following song I Got To Know deserve as much recognition. […]
Learning How to Stand Up to Bullies A Lesson Plan for All Levels Objective: To help students understand the difference between being a bystander and an activist ally. Grade level: Elementary through High School Preparation: Select a book to read aloud that shows someone being victimized. Some possible books include: Elementary level – The Araboolies […]
The first component is Cognitive. We must understand what bullying is so we can recognize it when we see it. The second component is Emotion. Unless our emotions are engaged, we will not be able to step beyond our own self-consciousness to take action for others. The key emotions are empathy – being able to […]
In this activity, suitable for preschool through primary grades, children learn to empathize with how it feels to be bullied and learn ways to be an ally and support the victim. “This house is mine,” declares George as he stakes claim to a large cardboard box and then ruthlessly excludes everybody else because they are […]
What Does Peace Feel Like to You? The United Nations has defined war as any conflict in which there are more than 1000 battlefield dead. It is estimated that currently there are eleven wars going on around the world and many, many more “conflicts.” However, as the following quote tells us, war is not limited […]
What is the best way to introduce the idea of shared values to young children? This simple lesson, based on Karen Katz’s picture book Can You Say Peace? provides a simple introduction to the idea that no matter how different people from diverse cultures may look or what language they speak, underneath we are all […]
What happens on this day? All over the world Peace Day Events are taking place. Check here to see if there is an event near you. EVENT MAP At noon, there will be a Peace Wave – one minute of silence (in your time zone): a shared moment in which to reflect on what we […]
Objective: To participate in a peace circle and learn how to think like a peacemaker Grade Level: Kindergarten to adult Preparation: Have participants sit in a circle Have a white feather, round beach stone, a bone, or other special object from nature. Have very quiet meditative music playing Have books that show the evils of […]
Objective: To learn that many people have had the courage to stand up for what they believe and bring change in the world. Grade Level: Grade 3 and up Preparation Go to Better World Peace Calendar. Open each month and select people for the class to research. Make a list with each person’s birth date. If […]
Poems & Quotes for Peace Lesson Plan This lesson is based on a contribution by Christine Pescatore Objective: To develop an understanding of peace and social injustice through the reading and discussion of poems and quotes. Grade Level: Elementary, Middle School and High School Procedure: Share these selection of poems focusing on peace and justice with your students […]
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