Treaties to the World

Over the past few weeks the Kiddoes and I have spent a great deal of time discussing 'peace'. We have learned what peace is and have examined images from around the world to determine if others have as much peace as we do in our lives. I have been moved beyond words by the wisdom and empathy shown by such young little people. I call the Kiddoes in the room 'little people' for a very special reason. We have talked about everyone in the world being the same because we are all 'people'. Some are little (the Kiddoes), some are medium sized (the grade 8's) and some are big (adults). I explained to them that because they are people, just like everyone else, they too have the capability to change the world. Yesterday, we talked about what simple acts we could do here, that could cause ripple effects and change the world. Each Kiddoe was tasked with thinking of and illustrating a promise they could keep to make the world a better place on a puzzle piece. Once finished, I told the Kiddoes I was very proud of them for their ideas, but was a bit worried. I was worried what would happen if someone didn't keep a promise. It was exciting to see several hands shoot straight into the air and the suggestion come forward to change the promises into 'treaties'. When I inquired, "Why treaties?", the Kiddoes responded, "Because treaties can never be broken". After signing each of our promises, we headed into the hallway to 'build' a better world. One by one, we fit the Kiddoes' puzzle pieces together. However, once everyone's pieces were on the board, we noticed something upsetting. There were a few pieces missing. I explained to the Kiddoes that one of the reasons why not everyone has the same amount of peace is because there are some who are not working as hard as they are to build a better world. In order for this to happen, it requires everyone working together to complete the picture. This visual allowed the Kiddoes for the first time to really understand what their part is, in imaging and building a better world.

 

 
a.m.

 

 
p.m.

a.m.

p.m.