Elementary School Resources
As any parent or educator of elementary school students knows, it is never too early to talk to children about conflict and peace. Whether on the playground, in their classroom, at home, or on the news, children are exposed to conflict on a regular basis, which means it is important for them to learn how to manage conflict effectively, learn about peacebuilding themes, and discover ways to take action to make their world a more peaceful place.
Here are some resources to help you teach children global peacebuilding concepts and skills.
Lessons for upper elementary students
This set of five lesson plans and action ideas was adapted from the Peacebuilding Toolkit for Educators for use with third to fifth grade students.
- Lesson 1: What Does Conflict Mean?
- Lesson 2: Understanding Levels of Conflict
- Lesson 3: What Does Peace Mean?
- Lesson 4: What Does it take to be a Peacebuilder?
- Lesson 5: Observing Conflict
- Appendix: Ideas for Action
Children’s books on peace
Peace educator and former USIP Visiting Scholar Maya Soetoro-Ng compiled a list of her favorite books that help young people address issues such as bullying and conflict and build their understanding of concepts such as empowerment, empathy, and forgiveness. Soetoro-Ng is the Director of Community Outreach and Global Learning for the Matsunaga Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution at the University of Hawaii in Manoa, and the co-founder of peace education program Ceeds of Peace.
Watch It’s Never Too Early! Engaging Upper Elementary Students in Conversations and Actions for Peace, to explore what it means for children to be peacebuilders.
Learn more about USIP’s resources for students and educators.