Lesson 4: Stand up for Peace One Day Background for teachers:
As part of Peace One Day’s communications, we ask that people record their Peace Day activities, through photo- graphs or moving images, and share them with us. We can then use those images to inspire others to make their own commitment for the day. These images represent a broad range of activities (see the Peace One Day Pinterest page for examples), but over the years we have noticed that one particular activity has captured the imagination. We consistently receive images from all over the world, where a group of people (very often at school) simply stand in the shape of the words ‘Peace One
Day’. A bird’s-eye view photograph is taken and the result is the captured memory of a shared declaration of Peace on One Day. In this lesson, ‘Stand Up for Peace One Day’, we hope to give structure to a Peace Day activity that has grown organically over the years. We hope that this idea will be embraced by all kinds of groups – at school, in the workplace, in the wider community. Please let us know about your ‘Stand Up for Peace One Day’ commitment by emailing us, together with a photo or video. We will highlight as many as we can. Good luck!
Purpose of the Lesson: ‘Stand Up for Peace One Day’ works as a whole school Peace Day activity or as something undertaken by a number of year groups; a certain number of students is required in order to make the final image effective. It is straightforward to organise and yet creates a profound sense of unity within the school. It is also a project that could include younger children and those with specific educational needs – boosting confidence and encouraging school community spirit. It is hoped that ‘Stand Up for Peace One Day’ will provoke lively discussion, and inspire young people to consider the value of working collectively towards a common goal – as a school and as a global community. Preparation should be
done in advance to determine timing and the extent of the project within the school.
At the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
• Stand up for Peace One Day • Express the feelings engendered through their participation in the project
• Reflect on the value of working collectively towards a common goal