Peace - Ages 8-14 - Values Education for Children and Young Adults

Peace - Living Values Activities for Children Ages 8-14

Excerpts from LVE's Living Values Activities for Children Ages 8-14

What We Like and Don't Like - Under the Anger
In some ways, people are simple. When we get angry, there is hurt or fear or embarrassment underneath. The hurt and fear come first when people do not feel valued, respected, or loved. Some people stay feeling hurt and others handle it by getting angry.

Apply concept: Think of examples of things that have happened or a time when you felt this way. Create a poster on what others should not do, or what behaviors you would like from others. Make a peace slogan. Decorate it and hang it in your room. Ask your parent to make a peace slogan too.

Express Yourself Artistically
Draw or paint peaceful and angry colors and shapes -- peaceful on one half of the paper, angry on the other half.

Play peaceful music and dance.

Peace Is . . .
What does the feeling of peace feel like? Complete the following sentences:

Peace is . . .
If I want to feel relaxed and peaceful, I . . .
The most peaceful place I can remember is . . .

Visit a peaceful place with your family. Spend 5 minutes every day walking in a pretty area or sitting quietly and focusing on feeling peaceful. How does this effect your day?

Peace Ideas at Home for Parents of Children 8 Years and Older

Excerpts from Living Values Parent Groups: A Facilitator Guide

Think about when your children feel more peaceful.
Play peace songs your children like. Sing peace songs together - perhaps as you walk or ride.
Let your children know when you appreciate their being a "giver of peace" or a "river of peace." Acknowledge their positive efforts toward communication during a conflict resolution session with which they may have been involved.
Share your feelings about peace with your children, making your comments appropriate to their age.
Invite them into the kitchen. Make peace symbols together out of bread or cookie dough, or decorate a cake with peace symbols. Perhaps they can do this with friends.
Both caregivers and children can take turns in the evening selecting favorite peace points from their culture, religion, or belief system. They could present peace points for one minute before dinner or ?
Ask your teenager to share his or her peace visualization. Listen intently.
Discuss violent movies with your spouse. Are you, as adults, able to give these up? If yes, discuss whether you want to limit your children's access to these at home. If you are unsure, observe the mood of your children after they watch the next three violent movies. Observe your own thoughts and mood after watching a violent movie versus a peaceful, humanizing movie. Discuss with your spouse again. If you agree to renounce violent movies, talk to your children and share that decision with them. Let them know, "Whatever we watch, we have those emotions running through our minds. There is no benefit in violent emotions going through our minds if we want to help create a peaceful world." If you decide to implement this policy at home, stick to it. The protest won't last long. If older teenagers choose to see violent movies with their peers outside the home, stay detached and content and listen to their experience.
Ask your children what inspires them about peace? Listen to what they say. What inspires you about peace?
Visit a place where peace can be seen in action - perhaps a museum about a peace visionary, a center for non-violence, or perhaps a shelter where they care for people.
Ask yourselves, "When do we feel most peaceful?" Help each other create more of those moments.

Excerpts from Living Values Activities for Children and Peace Ideas at Home for Parents
Young Adults | Ages 3-7

Focusing on the Value of Peace