by Marsha Rakestraw A 2012 survey of teen volunteers revealed that the main reason teens volunteer is because their friends are doing it. As social animals we pay attention to what those around us are doing; and because we like to feel part of the “in” crowd, we’re often willing to conform so that we’re…
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by Marsha Rakestraw The recent US election has highlighted a significant divisiveness. And the media and social media have been awash in hate speech and arguments, calls for healing and moving on, judgments, ideas about next steps, and assumptions. Usually when we make assumptions about others, they’re not positive ones. We tend to make split-second…
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by Marsha Rakestraw Sometimes I have a dream in which I run door-to-door in my neighborhood. I bang on the door until someone answers, and then I grab them by the shirt and scream at them to stop doing things that hurt other beings and to start being compassionate RIGHT NOW! Fortunately, I have better…
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by Marsha Rakestraw Some children have known war their entire lives. As journalist and peace teacher, Colman McCarthy says, “Why are we violent, but not illiterate? Because we are taught to read.” We teach children science, math and competition, but not peace. We offer them lessons on good character and anti-bullying, but often don’t model…
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What are the most desirable and undesirable qualities of humans? Use sample stories and pictures to help students identify our best (and worst) qualities and how we can encourage humane qualities in ourselves and others. Recommended for grades 3 through 6. Time: 30-60 minutes Common Core Standards for this activity (pdf): Download Common Core…
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Students “shop” for T-shirts to help them make the connection between what they wear and the conditions under which it’s made. Recommended for grades 9 and up. Time: At least two days Common Core Standards for this activity (pdf): Download Common Core for grades 9-12. Find out how some of our other activities…
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Great for a larger assembly, this activity asks students to compare pairs of similar products to consider which of the two helps more and harms less. Recommended for grades 5 and up. Time: 15-30 minutes Common Core Standards for this activity (pdf): Download Common Core for grades 5-8. Download Common Core for grades 9-12….
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