Lesson plans for middle schoolers
From the United States Institute for Peace
MIDDLE SCHOOL LESSON PLANS (summaries)
See https://www.usip.org/public-education/educators/peacebuilding-toolkit-educators-middle-school-edition for the complete plans.
SECTION 1
Conflict is an inherent part of the human condition
Objective: Students will be able to identify conflict and understand different interpretations of conflict, as a foundation for acquiring skills in managing conflict.
Standards:
Lesson 1.1 Defining Conflict, part 1
Time: 45 minutes
Materials: Different colored sticky notes or small pieces of paper, chart paper and markers, tape
Learning activities: Participatory introduction, sharing and listening to personal experiences or observations in groups of three, creating a definition (as a group), thinking and writing a paragraph about why there are multiple definitions of conflict (as an individual).
Extension possibilities: Discuss big ideas such as democracy, human rights, etc. using activity from the lesson.
Lesson 1.2 Defining Conflict, part 2
Time: 45 minutes
Materials: Different colored sticky notes or small pieces of paper, chart paper, markers, tape, quotes on conflict (in the lesson), music (of your choice), timer.
Learning activities: Participatory introduction involving music and movement, quote sharing and discussion, discussion, written response.
Extension possibilities: art, historical research, research on quotes about conflict.
Section 2:
Violent Conflict Can Be Prevented
Lesson 2.1 Observing Conflict
Objectives: Understand the value of analyzing conflicts, identify elements of conflict.
Standards:
Materials: Conflict Role-plays handouts, Observing Conflict worksheet.
Learning activities: discussion, role-playing, individual observation of conflict and group sharing, envisioning alternatives to conflict scenarios (“Playback Theater”), reflection on personal conflicts.
Extension possibilities: Creative writing and writing alternate endings.
Lesson 2.2 Identifying Conflict Styles
Objectives: Understand the value of knowing one’s tendencies for dealing with conflict; understand the value of identifying conflict styles of those with whom you are in conflict.
Standards:
Materials: Included worksheet and Conflict Styles handout.
Learning activities: Worksheet, group discussion, class discussion, role-playing, observation.
Extension possibilities: Drawing/cartooning to further become aware of conflict styles.
Lesson 2.3 Practicing Conflict Analysis
Objectives: Understand the various elements of conflict analysis, understand the value of conflict analysis, develop conflict analysis skills.
Standards:
Materials: Included handouts and worksheets, news articles.
Learning activities: Problem-solving activity (in groups of 3), class discussion, small-group analysis and discussion of observed conflict, identification of conflict styles, small-group analysis of conflicts in news/magazine articles or history.
Lesson 2.4A Responding to Conflict: Nonverbal Communication
Objectives: Develop awareness of how people communicate without words, develop nonverbal communication skills, understand the role of nonverbal communication during conflict.
Standards
Materials: Included handout
Learning activities: Review of past concepts, non-verbal class problem-solving activity and discussion about the experience and different systems of communication, story about miscommunication over gestures, geography/history review, small-group reading and question answering, class discussion.
Lesson 2.4B Responding to Conflict: Active Listening
Objectives: Identify and practice active listening skills.
Standards
Materials: Included handouts
Learning activities: Discussion of active listening in life and during conflicts, role-playing/acting, observation and identification of feelings, listening practice in pairs, identification of active listening skills, class discussion/debrief.
Lesson 2.4C Responding to Conflict: Negotiation–Identifying Wants and Needs
Objectives: Understand negotiation, understand the difference between wants and needs in various conflicts, explore and apply basic negotiation methods.
Standards:
Materials: Included handouts and worksheets, chart paper, dot stickers (optional)
Learning activities: Writing and revising definitions of negotiation (individually and in small groups), voting on favorite definition, discussion of how needs often underlie stated demands (wants) in conflicts, finding common ground by focusing on underlying needs, role–playing, observation, analysis, worksheet, small-group problem solving based on identifying wants and needs, class discussion wrapup applying concepts to interpersonal, local, national, international, and historical conflicts.
Lesson 2.4D Responding to Conflict: Negotiation Role-play
Objectives: Improve students’ negotiating skills, apply key negotiation principles and skills in an international conflict setting.
Standards:
Materials: Included worksheets and handouts
Learning activities: Identifying personal negotiation skills, role-play in pairs or groups of four, review of key elements of negotiation, analysis/debrief.
Lesson 2.4E: Responding to Conflict: Mediation
Objective: Understand role of mediators in resolving disputes, identify skills and processes used in mediation, develop basic mediation skills and processes.
Standards:
Materials: Included handouts and worksheets
Learning activities: Class discussion and exploration of idea of mediation, review of mediation process, small-group mediation practice, analysis/debrief.
Section 3:
There are many ways to be a peacebuilder
Lesson 3.1: Characteristics of Peacebuilders
Objectives: Introduce students to peacebuilders, their characteristics, and how they promote peace.
Standards:
Materials: Internet or books on peacebuilders, included handout
Learning activities: Review, class discussion, identification of peacebuilders and their characteristics, self-reflection on students’ own peacebuilding characteristics.
Extension possibilities: Research of peacebuilders, their obstacles, and methods for overcoming them.
Lesson 3.2: Peacebuilders in Action
Objective: Learn about work of peacebuilders around world; identify lessons which students can apply in becoming peacebuilders.
Standards:
Materials: Biography sheets from Nobel Peace Prize website, included worksheets, poster board/markers/crayons (optional); role-playing by “becoming” the person they read about; meeting, sharing, and notetaking with other “peacemakers” in an “International Peacebuilders Exchange”; class discussion/debrief.
Extension possibilities:
Lesson 3.3: Organizations Working for Peace
Objective: Identify organizations working for peace. Learn how people can contribute to their mission.
Standards:
Materials: Included worksheets and handouts; Internet access or printed materials about organizations; art supplies; phone for video and TV (if advertisements are filmed)
Learning activities: identification of local, national, international, and governmental organizations that work for peace; research one organization in a small group; create advertisement about organization to perform or film.
Extension possibilities:
Lesson 3.4: Making a Difference–Becoming a Peacebuilder
Objectives: Identify challenges and consequences of being a peacebuilder, identifying ways to overcome challenges.
Standards:
Materials: Banner with Eleanor Roosevelt quote (could be made by art class), included handout and worksheet, sticky notes.
Learning activities: brainstorm, idea generation and sharing, small-group discussion and creation of human sculpture about dealing with the risks of peacebuilding, class discussion/debrief, reflection on applications to life.
Extension possibilities:
Lesson 3.5: Take a Step Toward Peacebuilding
Objective: Develop realistic actions students can take to contribute to building peace.
Standards: Civic Ideals and Practices
Time: 75 minutes (1 ½ class periods)
Materials: Index cards; 12x12 pieces of notepaper; 12x12 pieces of construction paper; foam board, wood, or other “stepping stone” material.
Learning activities: individual response to what change students would like to see in the world, creation of stepping stone of small actions to work toward that change, sharing of stones and responses to the lessons on peacebuilding.
Possible extensions:
See https://www.usip.org/public-education/educators/peacebuilding-toolkit-educators-middle-school-edition for the complete plans.
SECTION 1
Conflict is an inherent part of the human condition
Objective: Students will be able to identify conflict and understand different interpretations of conflict, as a foundation for acquiring skills in managing conflict.
Standards:
- Culture
- Power, Authority, and Governance
- Civic Ideals and Practices
Lesson 1.1 Defining Conflict, part 1
Time: 45 minutes
Materials: Different colored sticky notes or small pieces of paper, chart paper and markers, tape
Learning activities: Participatory introduction, sharing and listening to personal experiences or observations in groups of three, creating a definition (as a group), thinking and writing a paragraph about why there are multiple definitions of conflict (as an individual).
Extension possibilities: Discuss big ideas such as democracy, human rights, etc. using activity from the lesson.
Lesson 1.2 Defining Conflict, part 2
Time: 45 minutes
Materials: Different colored sticky notes or small pieces of paper, chart paper, markers, tape, quotes on conflict (in the lesson), music (of your choice), timer.
Learning activities: Participatory introduction involving music and movement, quote sharing and discussion, discussion, written response.
Extension possibilities: art, historical research, research on quotes about conflict.
Section 2:
Violent Conflict Can Be Prevented
Lesson 2.1 Observing Conflict
Objectives: Understand the value of analyzing conflicts, identify elements of conflict.
Standards:
- Individual Development and Identity
- Individuals, Groups, and Institutions
- Power, Authority, Governance
Materials: Conflict Role-plays handouts, Observing Conflict worksheet.
Learning activities: discussion, role-playing, individual observation of conflict and group sharing, envisioning alternatives to conflict scenarios (“Playback Theater”), reflection on personal conflicts.
Extension possibilities: Creative writing and writing alternate endings.
Lesson 2.2 Identifying Conflict Styles
Objectives: Understand the value of knowing one’s tendencies for dealing with conflict; understand the value of identifying conflict styles of those with whom you are in conflict.
Standards:
- Individual Development and Identity
- Individuals, Groups, and Institutions
- Power, Authority, and Governance
- Production, Distribution, and Consumption
Materials: Included worksheet and Conflict Styles handout.
Learning activities: Worksheet, group discussion, class discussion, role-playing, observation.
Extension possibilities: Drawing/cartooning to further become aware of conflict styles.
Lesson 2.3 Practicing Conflict Analysis
Objectives: Understand the various elements of conflict analysis, understand the value of conflict analysis, develop conflict analysis skills.
Standards:
- Individuals, Groups, and Institutions
- Global Connections
Materials: Included handouts and worksheets, news articles.
Learning activities: Problem-solving activity (in groups of 3), class discussion, small-group analysis and discussion of observed conflict, identification of conflict styles, small-group analysis of conflicts in news/magazine articles or history.
Lesson 2.4A Responding to Conflict: Nonverbal Communication
Objectives: Develop awareness of how people communicate without words, develop nonverbal communication skills, understand the role of nonverbal communication during conflict.
Standards
- Culture
Materials: Included handout
Learning activities: Review of past concepts, non-verbal class problem-solving activity and discussion about the experience and different systems of communication, story about miscommunication over gestures, geography/history review, small-group reading and question answering, class discussion.
Lesson 2.4B Responding to Conflict: Active Listening
Objectives: Identify and practice active listening skills.
Standards
- Culture
Materials: Included handouts
Learning activities: Discussion of active listening in life and during conflicts, role-playing/acting, observation and identification of feelings, listening practice in pairs, identification of active listening skills, class discussion/debrief.
Lesson 2.4C Responding to Conflict: Negotiation–Identifying Wants and Needs
Objectives: Understand negotiation, understand the difference between wants and needs in various conflicts, explore and apply basic negotiation methods.
Standards:
- Culture
- Production, Distribution, and Consumption
Materials: Included handouts and worksheets, chart paper, dot stickers (optional)
Learning activities: Writing and revising definitions of negotiation (individually and in small groups), voting on favorite definition, discussion of how needs often underlie stated demands (wants) in conflicts, finding common ground by focusing on underlying needs, role–playing, observation, analysis, worksheet, small-group problem solving based on identifying wants and needs, class discussion wrapup applying concepts to interpersonal, local, national, international, and historical conflicts.
Lesson 2.4D Responding to Conflict: Negotiation Role-play
Objectives: Improve students’ negotiating skills, apply key negotiation principles and skills in an international conflict setting.
Standards:
- Individual Development and Identity
- Power, Authority, and Governance
- Global Connections
Materials: Included worksheets and handouts
Learning activities: Identifying personal negotiation skills, role-play in pairs or groups of four, review of key elements of negotiation, analysis/debrief.
Lesson 2.4E: Responding to Conflict: Mediation
Objective: Understand role of mediators in resolving disputes, identify skills and processes used in mediation, develop basic mediation skills and processes.
Standards:
- Individual Development and Identity
- Power, Authority, and Governance
- Global Connections
Materials: Included handouts and worksheets
Learning activities: Class discussion and exploration of idea of mediation, review of mediation process, small-group mediation practice, analysis/debrief.
Section 3:
There are many ways to be a peacebuilder
Lesson 3.1: Characteristics of Peacebuilders
Objectives: Introduce students to peacebuilders, their characteristics, and how they promote peace.
Standards:
- Individual Development and Identity
- Civic Ideals and Practices
Materials: Internet or books on peacebuilders, included handout
Learning activities: Review, class discussion, identification of peacebuilders and their characteristics, self-reflection on students’ own peacebuilding characteristics.
Extension possibilities: Research of peacebuilders, their obstacles, and methods for overcoming them.
Lesson 3.2: Peacebuilders in Action
Objective: Learn about work of peacebuilders around world; identify lessons which students can apply in becoming peacebuilders.
Standards:
- Individual Development and Identity
- Civic Ideals and Practices
Materials: Biography sheets from Nobel Peace Prize website, included worksheets, poster board/markers/crayons (optional); role-playing by “becoming” the person they read about; meeting, sharing, and notetaking with other “peacemakers” in an “International Peacebuilders Exchange”; class discussion/debrief.
Extension possibilities:
- Create inspiration poster with something “their” peacebuilder would say to encourage others to create peace; share with class.
- Write a news article set in the future describing the how the student (now a well-known peacebuilder) has worked for peace.
- Watch biographical videos of peacebuilders at www.buildingpeace.org.
Lesson 3.3: Organizations Working for Peace
Objective: Identify organizations working for peace. Learn how people can contribute to their mission.
Standards:
- Individual Development and Identity
- Individuals, Groups, and Institutions
Materials: Included worksheets and handouts; Internet access or printed materials about organizations; art supplies; phone for video and TV (if advertisements are filmed)
Learning activities: identification of local, national, international, and governmental organizations that work for peace; research one organization in a small group; create advertisement about organization to perform or film.
Extension possibilities:
- “Create” a nonprofit to address a conflict. Identify the mission, name, logo, people involved, activities.
- Research the role of the United States as a peacebuilder, historically and recently.
Lesson 3.4: Making a Difference–Becoming a Peacebuilder
Objectives: Identify challenges and consequences of being a peacebuilder, identifying ways to overcome challenges.
Standards:
- Individual Development and Identity
- Civic Ideals and Practices
Materials: Banner with Eleanor Roosevelt quote (could be made by art class), included handout and worksheet, sticky notes.
Learning activities: brainstorm, idea generation and sharing, small-group discussion and creation of human sculpture about dealing with the risks of peacebuilding, class discussion/debrief, reflection on applications to life.
Extension possibilities:
- Research individuals who took risks to build peace.
- Create a brochure with Top Ten Tips for building peace–to share with younger students.
Lesson 3.5: Take a Step Toward Peacebuilding
Objective: Develop realistic actions students can take to contribute to building peace.
Standards: Civic Ideals and Practices
Time: 75 minutes (1 ½ class periods)
Materials: Index cards; 12x12 pieces of notepaper; 12x12 pieces of construction paper; foam board, wood, or other “stepping stone” material.
Learning activities: individual response to what change students would like to see in the world, creation of stepping stone of small actions to work toward that change, sharing of stones and responses to the lessons on peacebuilding.
Possible extensions:
- Work with art teacher to create real stepping stones to be placed around the school.
- Have students create a peacebuilders pledge using small groups to create draft pledges. The class then consolidates these drafts and, through negotiation, creates a single pledge that all can support. Post the pledge in a visible place and emphasize that the class is now a group of peacebuilders supporting each other.
