Peace+in+Our+Classroom

Peace in Our ClassroomClare Morrison, Grade 2 & 3 Lesson 2: Peace in our Classroom Comprehensive Unit Lessons: Lesson 1: What is Peace? Lesson 3: What does Peace Feel Like? Lesson 4: What does Peace Feel Like? Part II Lesson 5: Peace for MLK Lesson 6: Peace Begins with You
 * Lesson 2: Peace in our Classroom**

Standard(s): 3a, 3b, 3c, 4b Materials: Book: __The Peace Book__ by Todd Parr Time: 45/60 minutes Goals: Students will establish what peace means to them at different levels: What is peace at school, in the classroom, personally, in the family, in the world. Students will demonstrate awareness of other people’s emotions, perspectives and a respect for human dignity and differences through literature and others’ perceptions of peace. Students will consider how to peacefully contribute to their community. Describe Lesson Steps: Lesson 2: __The Peace Book__ Gathering Circle: What action is peaceful for you? Teacher example: “When I need to feel peaceful, I listen to music.” Have students share something they do that is peaceful for them. Read aloud __The Peace Book__. While reading aloud, pause to discuss the setting of each “Peace is…” statement that is illustrated in the book. Ask students to think of other places where the statement applies / could take place. For example, the book says, “Peace is listening to different kinds of music.” The illustration is of a snake charmer. Ask students where else, or in what other situation would listening to different kinds of music be an example of peace? Write additional “What is peace?” ideas on your class chart paper/word web/list as students share. At the end of the book, have students think of peaceful places. The classroom is a peaceful place: Give students some time to think of a peaceful classroom and school. What is peace in our classroom, in our school? What can you do to make our school / classroom a peaceful place? Start a new chart paper and take notes of their ideas. Activity/Assessment(s): Give each student a graphic writing template with a large crayon on it. The crayon should have lines for students to write on. Students write “In our classroom, peace is…” statements. Students share their work in your Closing Circle. Create a large crayon box of a peaceful classroom.