CONFLICT RESOLUTION and peace education LESSON RESOURCES
Lesson Resources
For more conflict resolution lesson resources, search the BCTF’s TeachBC site using the words conflict or peace.
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Links to third-party articles and/or websites are for general information purposes only and do not constitute any offer or solicitation to buy or sell any services or products of any kind. The other parties are responsible for the content on their website(s).
Square Pegs and Round Holes - A cross-cultural-contact role-play simulation.
Consider using Square Pegs and Round Holes, at the beginning of a unit on colonial explorers' first contact with first nations or before students travel with school groups to foreign countries. Through experiencing and debriefing the potential that cross-cultural contact has for conflict and misunderstanding, students develop their perspective consciousness and recognize the need for tolerance, acceptance, communication, and compromise when interacting with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Skits to Solve School Problems in Peaceful Ways
Skits to Solve School Problems in Peaceful Ways offers lesson resource uses scenario planning, acting, filming, and analyzing to practice solving problems peacefully in relevant and personalized ways for students.
Canada & Conflict: A Humanitarian Perspective
The Canada and Conflict: A Humanitarian Perspective (PDF) educational toolkit was designed by teachers, to inform and empower youth to take action toward alleviating human suffering. The six modules complement academic subjects and touch on issues of International Humanitarian Law such as war crimes, refugees, neglected crises, gender inequality, humanitarian principles, mechanisms for justice and youth engagement.
Forced to Fight
Due to the sensitive situations, this resource is for students ages 13 and older and should be carefully reviewed before implementing into your classroom. Forced to Fight is a choose-your-own-adventure format, this interactive site helps facilitate understanding of IHL and humanitarian issues and allows the user to experience what it is like for young people living in situations of armed conflict around the world
Peace Education Resources
Primary resources and secondary resources.
White Peace Poppies complement the red poppies by commemorating all victims of war, civilian and military. There are primary lesson resources related to exploring the impacts of conflict.
While similar to the White Peace Poppies resources, Peace Pledge Union offers primary and secondary resources to talk to students about remembrance, provided in a clear and concise format including cooperative games and activities linked with picture books. You may want to update the Tale of Two Poppies to include relevant Canadian information.
Consider using Square Pegs and Round Holes, at the beginning of a unit on colonial explorers' first contact with first nations or before students travel with school groups to foreign countries. Through experiencing and debriefing the potential that cross-cultural contact has for conflict and misunderstanding, students develop their perspective consciousness and recognize the need for tolerance, acceptance, communication, and compromise when interacting with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Skits to Solve School Problems in Peaceful Ways
Skits to Solve School Problems in Peaceful Ways offers lesson resource uses scenario planning, acting, filming, and analyzing to practice solving problems peacefully in relevant and personalized ways for students.
Canada & Conflict: A Humanitarian Perspective
The Canada and Conflict: A Humanitarian Perspective (PDF) educational toolkit was designed by teachers, to inform and empower youth to take action toward alleviating human suffering. The six modules complement academic subjects and touch on issues of International Humanitarian Law such as war crimes, refugees, neglected crises, gender inequality, humanitarian principles, mechanisms for justice and youth engagement.
Forced to Fight
Due to the sensitive situations, this resource is for students ages 13 and older and should be carefully reviewed before implementing into your classroom. Forced to Fight is a choose-your-own-adventure format, this interactive site helps facilitate understanding of IHL and humanitarian issues and allows the user to experience what it is like for young people living in situations of armed conflict around the world
Peace Education Resources
Primary resources and secondary resources.
White Peace Poppies complement the red poppies by commemorating all victims of war, civilian and military. There are primary lesson resources related to exploring the impacts of conflict.
While similar to the White Peace Poppies resources, Peace Pledge Union offers primary and secondary resources to talk to students about remembrance, provided in a clear and concise format including cooperative games and activities linked with picture books. You may want to update the Tale of Two Poppies to include relevant Canadian information.
Picture BOOKS
The following picture books can be used in any intermediate or middle years classroom to introduce, support and sustain, or as a final reflection. Everyone enjoys being read a picture book.
Why Do We Fight by Niki Walker explores the reasons behind conflict, from personal disagreements to large-scale wars. It examines how differences in values, beliefs, and interests can lead to tension, while offering insights into conflict resolution and the importance of empathy and understanding in preventing violence. Lesson plan PDF.
We Will Remember Them by S. William honors the sacrifices of soldiers during wars, focusing on their bravery and the lasting impact of their service. The book reflects on the importance of remembrance and how these stories of courage and loss shape our collective memory, ensuring that their legacy endures. Discussion prompts PDF.
I Am a Tornado by Drew Beckmeyer is a whimsical, heartfelt story about a tornado with a big personality who struggles to control its destructive power. Through playful illustrations and thoughtful narrative, the book explores themes of identity, self-control, and personal growth, showing how even chaos can find balance and purpose.
The Line in the Sand by Thao Lam is a wordless picture book that explores conflict and misunderstandings through simple yet powerful visuals. Two groups of creatures face off over an imaginary line in the sand, illustrating how small disputes can escalate and the importance of communication, cooperation, and perspective in resolving conflicts. Lesson plan PDF.
My Lost Freedom by George Takei is a poignant memoir reflecting on his childhood experience in Japanese American internment camps during World War II. Takei shares how the loss of freedom and civil rights shaped his life, highlighting themes of injustice, resilience, and the enduring fight for equality and human dignity. Lesson plan PDF
Imagine by John Lennon, joins one little pigeon as she sets out on a journey to spread a message of tolerance around the world. Featuring the lyrics of John Lennon’s iconic song and illustrations by the award-winning artist Jean Jullien, this poignant and timely picture book dares to imagine a world at peace. Lesson plan PDF.
I am Human: A Book of Empathy by Susan Verde explores the full of possibility of being human. We learn, we dream, we wonder at the world around us. But we also make mistakes and can feel fearful or sad. Lesson plan PDF.
One Love by Cedella and Bob Marley brings Bob Marley's most beloved song to life for a new generation. Readers will delight in dancing to the beat and feeling the positive groove of change when one girl enlists her friends, family, and community to help transform her neighbourhood for the better. Lesson plan PDF.
Chapter books
Heroes
Alan Gratz
Grades 4-7
Heroes is an inspiring collection of real-life stories about young people who displayed extraordinary bravery in times of crisis. From historical events to modern-day challenges, these accounts showcase courage, resilience, and the power of individuals to make a difference, offering lessons in heroism for all ages.
Alan Gratz
Grades 4-7
Heroes is an inspiring collection of real-life stories about young people who displayed extraordinary bravery in times of crisis. From historical events to modern-day challenges, these accounts showcase courage, resilience, and the power of individuals to make a difference, offering lessons in heroism for all ages.
Refugee
Alan Gratz
Grades 4-7
Tells the timely--and timeless--story of three different kids seeking refuge. Award winning and a very good read. Discussion guide.
Alan Gratz
Grades 4-7
Tells the timely--and timeless--story of three different kids seeking refuge. Award winning and a very good read. Discussion guide.
The Enigma Girls
Candace Fleming
Grades 3-7
The Enigma Girls tells the fascinating true story of a group of young women who played a critical role in cracking Nazi codes during World War II. Their intelligence and determination helped shape the war's outcome, highlighting their unrecognized bravery and the impact of their contributions on history.
Candace Fleming
Grades 3-7
The Enigma Girls tells the fascinating true story of a group of young women who played a critical role in cracking Nazi codes during World War II. Their intelligence and determination helped shape the war's outcome, highlighting their unrecognized bravery and the impact of their contributions on history.
The Hiding Place - A Graphic Novel
Majo Damatteo
Grades 3-7
The Hiding Place is a heartwarming story of friendship and imagination. It follows two children who create a secret world to escape their daily challenges. Through their adventures, the book explores themes of resilience, creativity, and the importance of companionship in overcoming life's difficulties.
Majo Damatteo
Grades 3-7
The Hiding Place is a heartwarming story of friendship and imagination. It follows two children who create a secret world to escape their daily challenges. Through their adventures, the book explores themes of resilience, creativity, and the importance of companionship in overcoming life's difficulties.
The Night War
Kimberly Brubaker
Grades 3-7
Bradley is a gripping historical novel set during World War II. It follows young characters grappling with the harsh realities of war, fear, and survival. The story highlights the emotional and psychological toll of conflict, while showcasing resilience, hope, and the power of human connection amidst darkness. Discussion prompts PDF.
Kimberly Brubaker
Grades 3-7
Bradley is a gripping historical novel set during World War II. It follows young characters grappling with the harsh realities of war, fear, and survival. The story highlights the emotional and psychological toll of conflict, while showcasing resilience, hope, and the power of human connection amidst darkness. Discussion prompts PDF.
A Kids Book About Israel & Palestine
By Reza Aslan
Grades 3 and up
A Kids Book About Israel and Palestine offers a thoughtful introduction to the complex history and ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Designed for young readers, it explains the cultural, political, and social aspects of the region, fostering understanding and empathy, while encouraging dialogue about peace and coexistence.
By Reza Aslan
Grades 3 and up
A Kids Book About Israel and Palestine offers a thoughtful introduction to the complex history and ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Designed for young readers, it explains the cultural, political, and social aspects of the region, fostering understanding and empathy, while encouraging dialogue about peace and coexistence.
