Time: 20 minutes

Objective:
To introduce United for Peace topics, provide a useful common definition of peace, and engage students in critical thinking about peace.

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

• Explain a working definition of peace that goes beyond “no fighting.”
• Provide examples of personal behaviors that contribute to peaceful coexistence rather than violence and hate.

Standards Alignment:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.0-10.1 / SL.11-12.1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.2 / RH.11-12.2: Determine the central ideas or information of a primary or secondary source; provide an accurate summary that makes clear the relationships among the key details and ideas
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RH.9-10.4 / RH.11-12.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including analyzing how an author uses and refines the meaning of a key term over the course of a text

Silent Individual Writing (3-5 minutes)

Prompt: “Write 3–4 words or short phrases that describe what peace looks like in:
a) your life, b) your school, c) the world.”

Quick share-out: ask a few volunteers to read one word/phrase each; capture on board (e.g., “safety,” “no bullying,” “calm,” “fairness,” “no war”).

United for Peace Reading (5-10 minutes)

Hand out copies of United for Peace to the students and give them time to read it.

Group Discussion (5-10 minutes)

Teacher reads the United for Peace definition: “Peace is the state of living in harmony with others that is safe and free of violence and free of hatred.”

Prompts:

• What behaviors contribute to peace?
  • If missed, mention: understanding all sides, forgiveness, providing support, protecting shared resources.
• What should everyone have access to that makes peace possible?
  • If missed, mention: basic necessities (food, water, shelter, etc.), medical care, education, religion, culture, and community
• What are some ways you have seen peace, or hate, promoted in your community?

Key Takeaway:
Peace is not just “no fighting”; it is active responsibility, refusing hatred, and careful thinking before acting.