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Peace Activities for the Classrooms |
Group Silence Game
Find a place to stand off to the side or in the back of the room.
When the children are working and there is no more than a soft hum in the room, quietly say the name of a student. That student
may move slowly and in silence to join the teacher. Other students are named in the same fashion, moving in quiet to join the
teacher. When all have been called, pause and enjoy the satisfaction of
having created silence together.
Variation
Individual Silence Game
This is an essential activity to bring into your work with children. It’s striking simplicity serves to remind us daily to take
moments of silence.
Materials
a small pretty rug, a doily or small tray, a sand timer, and a handmade card on which the word, SILENCE has been beautifully
written, a basket to place it all in.
Organize the materials in the basket. Demonstrate for the children how they can lay out the rug, place the timer on the doily or
tray, set out the card (an extra reminder to others not to disturb the user) and sit upon the rug making silence.
Variation
You might use a battery operated candle for the child to focus (instead of the sand timer) on while making silence. Try one that
changes color.
Gratitude Basket
A gratitude basket provides an opportunity for children to write a simple note of thanksgiving or appreciation as they feel so
inclined. Keep a basket or handsome wooden box with a container of small blank slips of paper next to it so that the children
can write a note of gratitude and drop it in the basket. The notes can be shared with the whole group during a special gratitude
ceremony (once a week, bi-monthly), or can be left as is, serving simply to provide an avenue to express gratitude.
Gratitude Bouquet
Perhaps the children have decided to designate a day or week in appreciation of a much loved family member or relative. Suggest
that each child bring a flower in honor or that person. Then provide a special ceremony in which everyone has the opportunity to
add a flower to the bouquet, offering words of appreciation for that someone special. The gratitude focus for this activity could
also be a beloved pet, a member of the community who provides a service to others, or a famous peacemaker. Let the children
decide.
Candle Gratitude Ceremony
Engaging in a communion of gratitude lights up the space we occupy. Gratefulness and simple living go hand in hand. The more
we are grateful for what we have in life, the more content we are to live a life of simplicity. Helping children feel grateful today
prepares them to withstand the cultural pressures that invade our lives.
Acknowledge all that is good and sacred by holding special ceremonies that celebrate a grateful heart. Light a candle that you
have designated as a gratitude candle. During this celebration you might ask children to bring a photo or draw a picture of
someone for whom they want to express gratitude or to share an item such as a toy or a game they are thankful to have. Let each
ceremony celebrate something specific.
Teaching Affirming Language to Young Children
If a child can speak a sentence, they can begin learning the language of affirmation. Consider the effect about a classroom
community when children can say to each other:
• I like the way you do that.
• You are a good friend.
• He always makes me feel better.
• She is really working hard this morning.
• I feel comfortable with you.
• I appreciate your sense of humor.
• It looks like you worked very hard on that project.
Find a place to stand off to the side or in the back of the room.
When the children are working and there is no more than a soft hum in the room, quietly say the name of a student. That student
may move slowly and in silence to join the teacher. Other students are named in the same fashion, moving in quiet to join the
teacher. When all have been called, pause and enjoy the satisfaction of
having created silence together.
Variation
- Engage in the Group Silence Game while all are gathered in a circle.
- Have students may stand when they hear their name called.
- Do the Group Silence Game outdoors.
Individual Silence Game
This is an essential activity to bring into your work with children. It’s striking simplicity serves to remind us daily to take
moments of silence.
Materials
a small pretty rug, a doily or small tray, a sand timer, and a handmade card on which the word, SILENCE has been beautifully
written, a basket to place it all in.
Organize the materials in the basket. Demonstrate for the children how they can lay out the rug, place the timer on the doily or
tray, set out the card (an extra reminder to others not to disturb the user) and sit upon the rug making silence.
Variation
You might use a battery operated candle for the child to focus (instead of the sand timer) on while making silence. Try one that
changes color.
Gratitude Basket
A gratitude basket provides an opportunity for children to write a simple note of thanksgiving or appreciation as they feel so
inclined. Keep a basket or handsome wooden box with a container of small blank slips of paper next to it so that the children
can write a note of gratitude and drop it in the basket. The notes can be shared with the whole group during a special gratitude
ceremony (once a week, bi-monthly), or can be left as is, serving simply to provide an avenue to express gratitude.
Gratitude Bouquet
Perhaps the children have decided to designate a day or week in appreciation of a much loved family member or relative. Suggest
that each child bring a flower in honor or that person. Then provide a special ceremony in which everyone has the opportunity to
add a flower to the bouquet, offering words of appreciation for that someone special. The gratitude focus for this activity could
also be a beloved pet, a member of the community who provides a service to others, or a famous peacemaker. Let the children
decide.
Candle Gratitude Ceremony
Engaging in a communion of gratitude lights up the space we occupy. Gratefulness and simple living go hand in hand. The more
we are grateful for what we have in life, the more content we are to live a life of simplicity. Helping children feel grateful today
prepares them to withstand the cultural pressures that invade our lives.
Acknowledge all that is good and sacred by holding special ceremonies that celebrate a grateful heart. Light a candle that you
have designated as a gratitude candle. During this celebration you might ask children to bring a photo or draw a picture of
someone for whom they want to express gratitude or to share an item such as a toy or a game they are thankful to have. Let each
ceremony celebrate something specific.
Teaching Affirming Language to Young Children
If a child can speak a sentence, they can begin learning the language of affirmation. Consider the effect about a classroom
community when children can say to each other:
• I like the way you do that.
• You are a good friend.
• He always makes me feel better.
• She is really working hard this morning.
• I feel comfortable with you.
• I appreciate your sense of humor.
• It looks like you worked very hard on that project.
