Peace by PEACE Foundations
Week 1 / Unit 1
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Mentors will establish key Peace by PEACE tools/routines. These include the Peace Passport (a student activity book), the Reflection Question (discussed at the end of the unit), the Peace Box (for students to submit questions or answers to the Reflection Question anonymously), and more. Together, mentors and students will set expectations and goals for Peace by PEACE sessions. Key concepts like win-win situations, choice, and consequence will be introduced, setting the foundation for later units.
Communication and Conflict
Week 2 / Unit 2
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This unit explores all aspects of conflict. A large portion will focus on the Conflict Rocket Launch, a major fixture in the Peace by PEACE curriculum. The Rocket Launch and its memorable mnemonic will help students understand how their actions and emotions can contribute to escalating and de-escalating conflicts.
Emotions and Inner Power
Week 3 / Unit 3
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Students will learn how to recognize emotions and their physical manifestations through the Wheel-o-Feelings, then navigate these emotions. This is connected to building a strong Inner Power (a.k.a. self-esteem) to reframe destructive negative self-talk and build resilience
Empathy
Week 4 / Unit 4
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In a continuation of the discussion of emotions, students learn how empathy can positively impact the emotions of others. In a series of interactive activities, they will practice identifying the difference between sympathy and empathy, identifying Empathy Busters (responses that can hurt others’ feelings), and formulating empathetic responses.
Communication
Week 5 / Unit 5
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Students will learn key skills to communicate productively during a conflict and de-escalate it using tools such as I-statements, apologies, and negotiation. Each skill will be broken down into simple, easy-to-remember steps and consolidated in fun, movement-based activities.
Appreciating Similarities and Differences
Week 6 / Unit 6
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Mentors will highlight the importance of diversity, particularly in the classroom, by demonstrating how to celebrate similarities and differences. Students will also learn how to identify discrimination and stereotypes in a diverse community, and practice fostering an inclusive environment using Peace by PEACE tools.
Power and Privilege
Week 7 / Unit 7
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This unit expands on diversity by discussing power and privilege, and equality versus equity. Students will learn how different perspectives and ‘tunnel vision’ can promote or hinder diversity and conflicts. They will demonstrate how to use their privileges to support others and create equitable situations.
Bullying Behaviour: Exploring, Responding and Overcoming
Week 8 / Unit 8
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Students will explore the effects of bullying behaviours and how to overcome/de-escalate these situations as well as the nuances of online messaging and how cyberbullying can arise. The mentors will emphasize the usage of person-first language, challenging stigma toward specific roles in bullying situations.
Extra Cyberbullying & Security Resource
Peace by PEACE McGill x Talwar Research Lab
Created by the Talwar Child Development Lab at McGill University, this bilingual website with infographics and videos expands on key topics, such as strategies for dealing with bullying behaviour, specifically when it comes to staying safe online. This resource is helpful for students, parents and teachers.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to reach out to the Talwar Lab’s Youth Digital Compass team at: onlinesafety@mcgill.ca
Learning Life Skills
Week 9 / Unit 9
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Students will make connections between Peace by PEACE concepts and their real-life experiences by learning and applying life skills. This unit’s activities will encourage students to help others, and emphasize belonging and connection within their communities.
Festival
Final Week
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The last session is a culmination of all the skills learned in previous weeks, as well as a celebration of the students’ achievements. Students will engage in a series of fun activities designed to consolidate their knowledge of key Peace by PEACE skills, then participate in a classroom graduation ceremony.