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Lesson ideas

Culture of Peace

Students examine the messages of TV programs, the attitudes and values that are promoted.
Students explore the concept of peace and the language associated with it.
Students examine key articles of the United Nations Declaration on a Culture of Peace

The United Nations has proclaimed the years 2001-2010 as the International Decade for a Culture of Peace and Non-Violence for the Children of the World. A culture of peace is described as a set of values, attitudes, traditions and modes of behaviour and ways of life based on respect for the rights of every woman, man and child. Peace is not just the absence of war. It also encompasses justice, equity and contentment. From toys, games, films and television students learn the language of aggression and violence but they are less aware of the language and concept of peace.

1. Violence or Peace?
Adapted from a lesson suggestion from Vicaria de la Solidaridad, Santiago, Chile, on the Hague Appeal for Peace site.
Download the Observation Chart and distribute to students.
At home:
Students watch various television programs and following the instructions record responses on the chart.
In class:
1. Divide class into groups and discuss individual summaries. Try to arrive at a common conclusion. Name a recorder of the group to write it down.
2. The recorders read the conclusions to the class. Exchange ideas.
3. Are they similar or different? Write them down on the blackboard. Highlight the common conclusions and problems that the groups found.
4. Discuss possible solutions for the problems found in TV programs. Make proposals.
5. Write letters to TV programmers and producers highlighting findings, conclusions and proposals? Other ideas?

2. Culture of Peace Wordbank
Download worksheets Wordbank and Peace is
1. What is peace? What constitutes peace in family, school, community, national and international contexts? Elicit discussion which explores not just the absence of violence but also a sense of well-being. Jointly construct a definition of peace.
2. Brainstorm peace with the class. Make a wordbank recording both negative and positive concepts.
3. In groups classify the words from the class wordbank or the suggested list onto the worksheet Peace is the presence of or the absence of.

1. Declaration on a Culture of Peace
Download copies of, or read on line, the fact sheet Culture of Peace.
As a class or in groups read and jointly rewrite a plain English version.

2. Symbols of peace
Download worksheet Symbols of peace or visit Planetpals Dictionaries/ Clip Art/ Peace symbols.
Individually or in pairs choose a symbol and research its origins and meaning.
Make posters with a brief explanation for class display or presentation.

MILNE, Rosemary, Peace Education in Early Childhood Free Kindergarten Association of Victoria Inc

United Nations Cyber Schoolbus
Hague Appeal for Peace
UNESCO/ 2000-2010 - Int. decade for a Culture of Peace
Peace Quotes from the ABC Human Rights site
Peace Education Marie in the Shadow of the Lion: a Humanitarian Novel