Critical Thinking – Ceeds of Peace

A Better World

Post category:Age 13-18 Age 19+Age 5-13 Commitment Connection Critical Thinking

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…

Action Research

Post category:Age 13-18 Age 5-13 Compassion Conflict Resolution Courage Critical Thinking

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…

Active Learning

Post category:Age 13-18 Age 19+Age 5-13 Birth to Age 5 Connection Critical Thinking

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…

All about Activists

Post category:Age 13-18 Age 19+Age 5-13 Collaboration Compassion Conflict Resolution Critical Thinking

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…

Ants on a Log

Post category:Age 5-13 Birth to Age 5 Collaboration Connection Critical Thinking

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…

Autobiographical Story

Post category:Age 13-18 Age 19+Age 5-13 Collaboration Compassion Critical Thinking

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…

Be Positive, Not Negative

Post category:Age 13-18 Age 5-13 Birth to Age 5 Commitment Courage Critical Thinking

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…

Being Responsible Online

Post category:Age 13-18 Age 19+Age 5-13 Conflict Resolution Connection Courage Critical Thinking

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…

Bigger Than or Less Than

Post category:Age 5-13 Birth to Age 5 Collaboration Conflict Resolution Courage Critical Thinking

Using bigger than, less than, or equal signs, role-play different scenarios the youth face on a day to day basis to evaluate whether or not a situation feels “equal.” If…

Blind Teamwork

Post category:Age 13-18 Age 19+Age 5-13 Collaboration Commitment Connection Critical Thinking

This is a fun game that emphasizes clear communication, listening skills, and teamwork. Choose a large indoor or outdoor area and divide youth into two groups. You will need blindfolds…

Bucket Toss

Post category:Age 5-13 Birth to Age 5 Commitment Compassion Critical Thinking

Create laminated pictures or drawings of various needs and wants, or have the items on hand. Have youth toss the items in a “want” bucket and a “need” bucket. Once…

Build a Shelter

Post category:Age 13-18 Age 5-13 Collaboration Commitment Critical Thinking

A collaborative outdoor activity in which youth are challenged to build a shelter with a limited number and type of materials (ie. no more than 20 items) and within a…