Peace education for kids

October 9, 11:26 AMParenting ExaminerKaren Deerwester

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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.

Peace Education Network

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.