Peace by PEACE

Welcome to Peace by PEACE

Peace by PEACE in-school education program teaches elementary and middle school students conflict resolution and cooperative problem-solving skills. Peace by PEACE’s program emphasizes the concept of “choice and consequence.” Peace by PEACE embraces an active-learning model that includes role-plays, cooperative games, journal-writing and discussions.

The Peace by PEACE Core Curriculum is taught by every Peace by PEACE program. The four core components are:

Defining Conflict. Students explore what a conflict is, what are its causes and how conflict affects our society.
Conflict Escalation. Students learn about conflict development. Students learn how words, actions and body language can increase the severity of conflicts.
Conflict De-escalation. Students examine their body language, tone-of-voice, words and actions to find out how to use the same factors that escalate a conflict to de-escalate it.
Creating Peace by PEACE Games. Students and volunteer teachers work together to create their own Peace by PEACE games. They learn how to develop a game in which everyone wins, and they have a chance to play their games in the classroom. The student-created games are shared with others at the Peace by PEACE Festival.

While all local Peace by PEACE programs share the same teaching philosophy, each program expands and adapts its curriculum to meet the needs of its individual community. Programs also address current events and issues of highest relevance to their students, such as the September 11th tragedy.

All university and colleges student volunteer teachers receive training in teaching methods, conflict resolution, and cultural sensitivity. Once trained, university volunteers teach in teams of two to four once a week in the classroom. Each session lasts approximately one to two hours, depending on the school and how much material each program covers per week. Programs teach either a full year or semester curriculum with an average of 6-9 sessions per semester. Throughout the year, volunteers share teaching experiences and evaluate the curriculum with fellow teachers to measure effectiveness and look for possible improvements.

Each Peace by PEACE program organizes a one day festival for all participating students to celebrate their accomplishments. Students meet others from different neighborhoods to share the ideas and skills acquired in Peace by PEACE. The format of the festival differs among the programs, but all incorporate cooperation, team-building and creative critical thinking in activities such as field games, crafts, writing and fine arts. Students also play the games they created in the classroom. The community is encouraged to participate in this day of peace.