Youth work to identify community problems and respond to community needs. They are guided through exercises (many in this Tool Kit) in imagining a stronger community and what it would take to get there. They are asked to take a look at their class, school, neighborhood, state, nation, and/or the world. This activity can serve …
Ask youth to conduct research on various conflicts by visiting peace education websites or multiple media sources. After researching the dimensions and various perspectives of the conflict, in groups or as a class, brainstorm solutions and figure out the resources needed to get involved in positive and safe ways. Alternatively, youth can find problems that …
Vary instructional strategies to develop the whole brain. Provide youth multiple sources of input including books, videos, lectures, discussions, visuals, stories and songs. Allow youth multiple avenues of output and ways to present knowledge, including essays, presentations, plays, dances, and songs. Change instructional strategies frequently.
This is more than just hearing what someone else is saying. Active listening builds trust and ensures that the other person in a conversation knows they are being heard. It allows the listener to learn about the world and to understand the lives, experiences, and beliefs that differ from their own. Active listening also teaches …
Encourage individuals to perform a kind and selfless act for another person, be it someone known or unknown, with the only purpose being to brighten or improve the recipient’s day in some way. Kind acts can be spontaneous or planned, but they should not be expectant of any return to the giver. (See also: Kindness …
Youth brainstorm a list of activists, leaders, philosophers, philanthropists, and others who have made a difference in their communities and/or the world. They identify the accomplishments, list favorite quotes, and create images and videos they feel represent each individual in a wall or digital display. Youth discuss how things would be different if the individuals …
Consider assigning grades based on absolute standards, and not on a youth’s achievement as defined by the teacher or compared to other youth. Students and educators critically examine grading systems and identify the reasons for and value of grading. Students brainstorm ways to assess their work and think about how to make grading consistent, fair, …
A fun and physical activity that encourages teamwork and collaboration. You will need an even number of youth to participate, ideally close to 10. Find a straight line on the ground (or make one with tape) and have all youth stand on the line. Number each person in standing order from 1-10. The object of …
To create an autobiographical story, start with the problem, tension, conflict or personal realization that will serve as the heart of the story. Then work backwards by describing the setting (place & time) and characters. Develop the story forward by describing significant life events leading up to the climax. Then resolve the problem, tension or …
An activity for “peace within and between” that focuses on negative self-talk, negative thoughts and statements about others, and complaining. A good idea is to have youth commit to this activity for at least one full day, and even longer if possible. All that is needed is a large quantity of paper clips. Explain to …
A fun, noncompetitive game that clearly demonstrates concentration, cooperation, and commitment. You will need a large indoor or outdoor space and many bean bags (or other items safe to throw and catch). Youth form a large circle, and they are paired up in teams of two. Each youth must remember their partner throughout the game. …
Starting in the pre-teen years, many people use electronic devices and social media, and it is critical that we teach them how to behave appropriately and safely online. Have discussions about how the internet has improved our lives, but that there are also conditions to its use. Remind teens that their online “footprint” lives on …
