Learning About War - Educator Notes and Art Activities Freebie
October 2023 brought a social media live feed of war and genocide into our homes like never before. Our children have either seen us viewing these atrocities, heard us talking about them with other grown ups, or viewed these atrocities themselves through their own social media, and they have questions that deserve answers. At MBL, we always say, if a marginalized child is old enough to endure it, a privileged child is old enough to learn about it. We know it’s difficult to navigate how to educate about this, and we know it’s overwhelming to research the best way (especially when every article is more than a thousand words). We did lots of research, and we hope this might be helpful:
How to talk to learners at every age* about war:
World Geography And War: Identify different places in the world where wars are currently happening.
Why Do Wars Happen?: Common reasons for war, in general terms.
Our Safety, Our Privilege: We are safe and we can help those who aren’t safe.
Our Three Questions: Critical thinking about media, history books, and propaganda.
Solidarity over Division: Rejecting prejudice and dehumanization and embracing complexity.
Rise, Rest, Refuel: An enduring approach to a resistance.
*Even if we’ve already learned some or all of this, it’s difficult to remember these things when we are overwhelmed by tragedies and atrocities. Older learners will always benefit from the reminder that they are safe with you, even if you’re sure they already know it.
If you’d like a succinct script for how to start the conversation for each of these points, we’ve made you six printable flash cards that include these discussion topics and scripts, plus art-based activity ideas and optional accompanying handouts.
October 2023 brought a social media live feed of war and genocide into our homes like never before. Our children have either seen us viewing these atrocities, heard us talking about them with other grown ups, or viewed these atrocities themselves through their own social media, and they have questions that deserve answers. At MBL, we always say, if a marginalized child is old enough to endure it, a privileged child is old enough to learn about it. We know it’s difficult to navigate how to educate about this, and we know it’s overwhelming to research the best way (especially when every article is more than a thousand words). We did lots of research, and we hope this might be helpful:
How to talk to learners at every age* about war:
World Geography And War: Identify different places in the world where wars are currently happening.
Why Do Wars Happen?: Common reasons for war, in general terms.
Our Safety, Our Privilege: We are safe and we can help those who aren’t safe.
Our Three Questions: Critical thinking about media, history books, and propaganda.
Solidarity over Division: Rejecting prejudice and dehumanization and embracing complexity.
Rise, Rest, Refuel: An enduring approach to a resistance.
*Even if we’ve already learned some or all of this, it’s difficult to remember these things when we are overwhelmed by tragedies and atrocities. Older learners will always benefit from the reminder that they are safe with you, even if you’re sure they already know it.
If you’d like a succinct script for how to start the conversation for each of these points, we’ve made you six printable flash cards that include these discussion topics and scripts, plus art-based activity ideas and optional accompanying handouts.
October 2023 brought a social media live feed of war and genocide into our homes like never before. Our children have either seen us viewing these atrocities, heard us talking about them with other grown ups, or viewed these atrocities themselves through their own social media, and they have questions that deserve answers. At MBL, we always say, if a marginalized child is old enough to endure it, a privileged child is old enough to learn about it. We know it’s difficult to navigate how to educate about this, and we know it’s overwhelming to research the best way (especially when every article is more than a thousand words). We did lots of research, and we hope this might be helpful:
How to talk to learners at every age* about war:
World Geography And War: Identify different places in the world where wars are currently happening.
Why Do Wars Happen?: Common reasons for war, in general terms.
Our Safety, Our Privilege: We are safe and we can help those who aren’t safe.
Our Three Questions: Critical thinking about media, history books, and propaganda.
Solidarity over Division: Rejecting prejudice and dehumanization and embracing complexity.
Rise, Rest, Refuel: An enduring approach to a resistance.
*Even if we’ve already learned some or all of this, it’s difficult to remember these things when we are overwhelmed by tragedies and atrocities. Older learners will always benefit from the reminder that they are safe with you, even if you’re sure they already know it.
If you’d like a succinct script for how to start the conversation for each of these points, we’ve made you six printable flash cards that include these discussion topics and scripts, plus art-based activity ideas and optional accompanying handouts.