TeachOne: Words Bring Peace

Unit of 2 Lessons
Grade Levels: 
K
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Subjects: 
Arts Education
Language Arts
Philanthropy
Science
Social Studies
Social-Emotional Learning
Issue Area: 
Community
Focus Question 

What can I say and do to build a peaceful and inclusive community? 

Who are the helpers in my community who build a peaceful and inclusive climate?

Unit Overview 

This unit includes elementary and secondary versions of a lesson that teaches respectful language for positive group formation, such as at the beginning of the school year. Using literature to build relationships through trauma-informed practices, facilitators teach youth the choices they have to influence a peaceful and inclusive community. Both lessons include a project that brings comfort in the local community. Learners gain awareness of the work and needs of community helpers and design service that supports them. Learners recognize that everyone has something to give from the heart. 

Service Experience 
Students make "calming kits" filled with homemade items that sooth someone who is feeling anxiety or trauma. The kits may be donated to a classroom, police station, hospital, or other place where self-calming tools and words can help a young person self-regulate their anxiety. Additional Project Ideas: collect stuffed animals for police to hand out to children; make hygiene kits; serve at a soup kitchen; collect items for “love baskets”; or visit a local nursing home.
Lessons in This Unit 
Unit: 
TeachOne: Words Bring Peace
Lesson 1 of 2
Grades: 
K
1
2
3
4
5

In this lesson, the students learn to use their voice to say something to make the world a better place. This is an opportunity to demonstrate and feel the impact of kindness, inclusion, and listening on a caring community. Students learn from a community helper about the needs they observe in the community. They make and donate a "calming box" so the tool may help youth calm themselves. Use this at the beginning of the year to set a tone and learn skills of effective language that are good for all. 

Unit: 
TeachOne: Words Bring Peace
Lesson 2 of 2
Grades: 
6
7
8
9
10
11
12

In this lesson, students learn that we all have ideas and talents to make the world a better place. This is an opportunity to demonstrate and feel the impact of kindness, inclusion, and listening on a caring community. Students learn from a community helper about the needs they observe in the community. They make and donate a "calming kit" so the tool may help youth calm themselves. Use this at the beginning of the year to set a tone and learn skills of effective language that are good for all.