.jpg)
AP photo
Congratulations to President Obama for winning the Nobel Peace Prize! It's a proud day for the United States and a day to celebrate peace-making skills. Resources abound for parents and teachers to encourage cooperative problem- solving among children. Here are a few excellent websites to support your efforts to bring a little peace to your small corner of the world.
The Peace Education Foundation
The Peace Education Foundation starts with teaching peace education to preschoolers emphasizing "listening, cooperating and sharing" and expanding programs through higher grade levels. They also have "literature packs" compiling children's books for all ages: starting with "helping, not hurting" for kindergartners,"peace scholars" for early elementary, and "community building" for older elementary ages.
United Nations Peace Education
The United Nations Peace Education website offers curriculum with 5 teaching units for students aged 8 through teens. Topics include: Ecological Thinking, Tolerance and Respect for Dignity and Identity, Critical Thinking and Active Non-Violence, Social Justice and Civic Responsibility, Leadership and Global Citizenship.
Greg Mortenson's Three Cups of Tea
Greg Mortenson's books and peace projects engage children of all ages and adults to experience the world in new ways. Children can get involved with Pennies for Peace. Families can support community-based education through the Central Asia Institute. The Three Cups of Tea Youth editions help preschoolers to young adults empathize with the struggle for world peace in a personal, engaging form.
The Peace Education Network offers national curriculum resources for schools and communities in the UK. Numerous articles support teachers teaching conflict resolution and creating peaceful communities. The Values & Attitudes for Education of Peace is one example.
President Obama's award inspires a national focus on peace and respect for differences. Hopefully, it will renew a commitment to teach and practice our children the same universal principles.
Comments
He had been in office exactly 16 days when this award was awarded in Feb. Did I miss something? What could he possibly have done in 16 days that was worthy of this prize?? Nothing then, nothing now.
I like your idea about the teaching children about peaceful concepts, but often the reality of the world is very different from theory. Promoting peace has to go hand in hand with the idea of promoting rights of the people and the pursuit of freedom. We all want peace, but sadly, at times, the only way to achieve the peace in the long run is by engagin in conflict. And I would leave the politics out of it.I would rather teach my children about peace by having a peaceful home and talking about spiritual examples of promoting peace. Peace, and respect for it, begins by setting a good example within the family.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!