Peace in the Classroom

September is a time of renewal and new beginnings. Some parents will watch their child go to school for the first time, while others welcome the return of a comfortable school routine. Students and teachers both feel the excitement of returning to the classroom, eager to see what the new school year will hold.

But the beginning of a new school year is, for some, a bittersweet event. It comes at a time of overwhelming worldwide strife and disaster. Earthquakes, hurricanes and floods have ravaged much of Asia, and politically-driven problems like war and human rights violations are rampant all over the Third World. Even in our local communities, many children have been desensitized to much of the violence after watching graphic and heartbreaking images play out on television and the Internet throughout the summer.

How do we respond? Consider these strategies:

• Make abstract concepts concrete: If you ask students for examples of broad terms like “conflict” and “peace,” you will likely receive a list of vague responses. Bring these concepts closer to home by asking students to identify how small actions within the classroom exemplify peace (i.e., including others, acceptingall points of view during discussions, cooperating rather than competing). 

• Conflict resolution policy: Conflicts are natural and expected. Teachers’ reactions can demonstrate open-mindedness with a desire to seek multiple perspectives and use of a consistent response system. Many school districts have instituted conflict resolution training programs that are managed by students. This approach builds leadership skills while sharing social responsibility.

• Current events discussions: We cannot shield students from the negativity outside school, but we can give them the skills to interpret what they see. When discussing conflict stories, encourage students to look for alternate points of view, generate ideas on how situations could be resolved in different ways and consider peaceful alternatives. For younger students, start by discussing smaller scale issues that happen within the school. 

• Literature choices: Select books that illustrate children demonstrating peaceful, kind and empathetic actions, and help students make connections to their own lives.

• Youth taking action: Motivate youth to believe that they play an important role in building a culture of peace. Volunteerism, spreading awareness about peace initiatives within their schools and communities, and taking tangible steps—even small ones—helps cement the idea that youth actions are powerful.  

For more ideas, visit www.metowe.org/the-book/educator-resources.html to download Creating We Schools: A Resource Guide for Teachers.

See the Me to We Annotated Bibliography for Children’s Books” to find more great resources Connections to Me to We Themes.

Catherine McCauley, M.Ed.
Director of Teacher Development

Free The Children is the largest network of children helping children through education in the world, with more than one million youth involved in our innovative education and development programs in 45 countries. Founded by international child rights activist Craig Kielburger, Free The Children has an established track-record of success, with three nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize and partnerships with the United Nations and Oprah’s Angel Network.