In a world racked by war and violence, what are you doing for peace?
Hopefully, you will be teaching the children you know and love how to coexist with others without resorting to anger and violence to solve their problems. Over the years, we have published a wealth of information that will help you do this.
Check out: peace songs and pledges, activities to do on Peace Day, and any other day of the year, and all the incredible books about ways to make peace we have reviewed for you.
In looking for new peace books to add to our Great Books list, I was surprised to find that the majority of books being marketed currently seem to focus on inner peace as opposed to living peacefully with others. Inner peace is important. We have many books and activities addressing mindful living here at Teach Peace Now. These positive books are beautiful and calming.
Learning how to deal with conflict when it faces us is harder and less pleasant. Here are two books that address conflict when it happens in ways young people can understand. And two books for their adult role models.
Peacemaking Books for Children
The Otter in Charge by Jessica Jackson
When her sister bosses her around, a clever otter must settle their conflict in a way that does not hurt her sister. For Pre-K to 2nd grade
When Friends Fight by Liz George
Children learn how to deal with conflict while playing with friends. This book provides ways for how to solve conflict in a situation all children face at one time or another. Ages K to 3rd grade
Guidebooks for More Peaceful Living
And for parents and teachers:
The Anatomy of Peace by the Arbinger Institute
Using a semi-fictional story, the authors show how changing our attitudes is the first step toward resolving conflicts.
“As important as behavior is most problems at home, at work, and in the world are not failures of strategy but failures of way of being.”
De-escalate by Douglas E. Noll
Children can learn a lot from the books read to them, but they learn even more when they see their role models using effective conflict reducing skills. This book teaches how reduce conflict by recognizing the emotional context. The skills in this book require dedication and practice. It is worth it to our children to learn them.
