Multimedia Resources and Lesson Plan for Elementary, Middle, High School, and College Students. Includes resources organized by grade level, discussion guide, and learning outcomes.
Peace Day provides a globally shared date for the world to commit to peace and, most importantly, to contribute to building a culture of peace.
Recommended MY HERO Peace Films with Discussion Questions for Students, Organized By Grade Level
Have you created a short film about peace? Submit it to the Film Festival, deadline is October 1, 2022.
The MY HERO Film Festival is honored to annually bestow the Ron Kovic Peace Prize to the director of the short film that most effectively addresses the issue of world peace. Up to $1000 of cash prizes supports the critical efforts of artists and peace activists whose work shows the power of non-violent solutions to our world's troubles. Use this link for additional information about the Kovic Peace Prize.
Additional Stories, Films and Artwork Celebrating Peace for Middle and High School Students | Discussion Questions Included
Students read some or all of the following stories about peace heroes and consider the discussion questions.
Four stories are available in text and audio, allowing students to read and listen. Great for ESL students.
Ron Kovic is a Vietnam War veteran and anti-war activist who fights for peace. He is the subject of the book and film Born on the Fourth of July.
Mattie's poems of peace and hope have touched millions of lives.
Le Ly Hayslip is a humanitarian, memoirist, and peacemaker.
American-Israeli Orthodox Jew Ruth Ebenstein and Palestinian Muslim Ibtisam became best friends after meeting at a support group for women with breast cancer.
The following stories have audio and text, allowing students to listen to the story as they read along.
Sadako Sasaki inspired an international peace movement.
Ruty Hotzen inspires students from around the world through Talking Kites, iEARN.
This selection of short films appropriate for Middle and High School students includes people who are dedicated to bringing peace into this troubled world. Some have overcome great adversity, and they have learned the power of forgiveness, tolerance, and compassion on the path to deeper peace.
Students watch one or more of these inspiring films, then consider the discussion questions and activities.
Mohamed Sidibay is a survivor of a horrific civil war in Sierra Leone, where he was forced to fight as a child soldier. Now he advocates for better access to education worldwide.
Young filmmaker Kasha Slavner interviews Unesco Goodwill Ambassador Phan Thi Kim Phuc, who survived a napalm bomb when she was a 9-year-old during the Vietnam War.
What happens when a mosque moves across the street from a church in the Bible Belt?
A grieving father overcomes tragedy by creating something beautiful in his son Tariq's name.
1. The heroes featured in the stories and films all work for peace. What motivated each of them? Why is their story important in today's world?
2. Many of the featured peace heroes have overcome adversity and learned the power of forgiveness, tolerance and peace. Do you know someone who has overcome adversity and works towards a more peaceful world? Share their story with MY HERO.
3. Where are areas of conflict in the world today? Who is working for peace in these areas? Research and share the story of a contemporary peace hero with MY HERO.
4. Violence continues to be a global problem. What can you do to promote peace in your community or country? Create an action plan, get others involved and share your story with MY HERO.
5. The film Upstanders: The Mosque Across the Street brought together two groups that might not have otherwise known each other. How does interacting with people from different cultures or religions bring us together and make a more peaceful world? Are there groups from different backgrounds in your community who have helped each other or worked towards a common goal? Share the story with MY HERO.
View More Films Dedicated to Peace from MY HERO
Artwork
Appropriate for all Grade Levels
Students analyze the artwork below and, individually or as a group, create their own photograph, mural, picture or poster that depicts peace to submit to the MY HERO Gallery.
Protest Art created for March for Our Lives sponsored by The Amplifier Foundation
Combining words with his portrait of Martin Luther King Jr., Joplin Lefrandt has created a powerful tribute to this African-American civil rights hero.
Created under the direction of the Art Miles Mural Project, which promotes peace and understanding through the painting of murals
Painted by 6th grade students from Morocco with the Art Miles Mural Project
Youth from around the globe are invited to submit their artwork to the annual Peace Pals International Art Exhibition and Awards. View samples of students' artwork from around the world celebrating the theme 'May Peace Prevail on Earth'.
Film Highlighting Artwork from Peace Pals Through the Years
Celebrating 2017 art honoree, director Jules Lamore and the 20th Anniversary of Peace Pals International, which inspires global youth to make art for peace
View More Art Dedicated to Peace from the MY HERO Gallery
Recommended Picture Books About Peace for Young Students
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The International Day of Peace lesson plan was created by MY HERO Education Outreach Director Laura Nietzer. |
Ron Kovic Peace Prize - MY HERO International Film Festival
Learn about a New Hero Every Day of the Year: Use the MY HERO Calendar in the Classroom
Related Links
Students can share their Hero Essays, Films and Art through our Create Program
Outstanding essays submitted to MY HERO will be considered for a certificate/t-shirt prize or be featured on the Story Homepage.
Submit your artwork to be entered in the MY HERO art contest or to be exhibited on our Gallery Homepage.
Students can submit their films for free with a waiver to the MY HERO International Film Festival.
Organizer created on 8/3/2019 5:02:07 PM by Laura Nietzer
Last edited 8/17/2023 12:45:19 PM by Laura Nietzer
