Our Curriculum

Students explore the foundational Peace by PEACE goals such as conflict, choices, consequences, and confrontation. They are introduced to win-win situations through Peace Games; our mentors establish weekly routines and rituals, such as the Peace Rap (a fun song) and the Peace Box (a place where students can ask questions anonymously).

The Conflict Escalator is introduced as a major fixture in the Peace by PEACE curriculum. Through the Conflict Escalator, students will understand the role emotions, inner peace, and “cool-down” strategies play in the escalation and de-escalation of conflict. Students will also learn about “I-Statements”, a step-by-step method to practice sharing feelings and opening doors of communication.

Students are introduced to the “Wheel-of-Feelings”, a tool designed to help explore emotions and their associated behaviours. Using this tool, students will explore the ways emotions can be seen and navigated. They also will learn about Inner Power – the term Peace by PEACE uses to describe self-image and self esteem, and how the ever-present functioning of peer pressure is critically impacted by one’s Inner Power. They will also learn to celebrate personal strengths and re-construct destructive, negative thoughts to build Inner Power.

Communication and empathy are vital to have in many environments, present and future. The ability to understand, listen, and communicate the needs of oneself and others are exercised through a series of interactive activities. By framing communication and empathy as transferable “life skills”, students will learn about sympathy, empathy, communication habits and boundaries – how to implement these things into their everyday lives, as well as what these things look like in a variety of scenarios.

Students are introduced to negotiation as a tool for peaceful conflict resolution. They practice this skill through activities and utilizing an “ABC problem-solving” process that engages students’ skills in collaboration, compromise, and active listening.

Diversity within the classroom is explored through understanding similarities, differences, stereotypes and discrimination, and the ways in which these concepts relate to conflict. Students celebrate their own uniqueness and that of their classmates through activities and discussions.

Students deepen their understanding of diversity through a discussion on power and privilege and how these topics relate to resolving conflicts. Students will learn about how people may have different points of view, based on things that are both within and outside of their personal control. The heart of this discussion is how to move forward with the knowledge of power and privilege, understanding the points-of-view of others.

Various types of bullying behaviour are discussed, as well as their potential social and emotional effects. Students learn about the different roles that they may play in bullying scenarios,  and also come to understand the importance of dismantling labels such as “bully”, “victim”, and “bystander”. Students will practice ways to respond to bullying behavior by applying what they have learned about the Conflict Escalator, empathy and communication.

Community building emphasizes the importance of having a strong classroom community. Students think critically about how to create a caring environment, and explore how Inner Power, diversity and empathy can help them meet this goal.

Our conflict-resolution program concludes with a classroom Peace Festival, which is organized with a special theme each year. It is a time for students to celebrate their successes and reflect on what they have learned during Peace by PEACE.