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A

Saying "Peace" in 144 different languages.

The "Say Hello to the World" Project
http://www.ipl.org/div/kidspace/hello/
This site teaches children to say "hello" in over 30 different languages. It also has links to resources about the languages and the cultures.

Books

The Cow of No Color: Riddle Stories and Justice Tales from Around the World by Nina Jaffe, Steve Zeitlin, Whitney Sherman (Illustrator) (for ages 9 and up). This book is a collection of 23 brief stories and folktales with the theme, justice. After laying out the cultural context of each story, it is then told up until when the character makes a decision or takes action. In italics, the reader is then asked to reflect on what he/she will do/say.

Wisdom Tales from Around the World (World Storytelling) by Heather Forest (for all ages). This book is a collection of folktales, parables, and proverbs from different countries all over the world. The stories are short and simple and reflect their cultural origins. Notes are included in each section that explain the background and history of the stories. http://store.augusthouse.com/productdetails.cfm?SKU=4791





Fact Sheets and Online Publications

Helping Children Cope With a Disaster
http://web.extension.uiuc.edu/disaster/facts/kidcope.html
Preparing for a disaster and coping with it afterwards can sometimes be difficult for children and their families. Children may be frightened by the disaster itself, or be upset by disruptions that a disaster might cause in their daily routines or their relationships with parents, teachers, and friends. It is not unusual for children to show changes in behaviors that may be signs or symptoms of distress or discomfort following a disaster.

Helping Children Cope With Stress
This publication explains how stress exists in your child's world from infancy through the teen years. You will learn how to recognize signs of stress and help your child express, understand, and manage pressure. Suggestions on preventing excessive stress for your child also are provided.   more»

Helping Children Overcome Fears
http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/CFS/CFS-169-W.pdf
Everyone experiences fear at some points in their lives. Children, though, are particularly likely to have fears. Adults might see children's fears as silly, but they are very real to the children. The goal of this publication is to help you understand the fears of children. It may also provide ideas you can use to help your children deal with their fears. Children will outgrow many of their fears, but you can help make the process quicker and more pleasant.

Judith Myers-Walls Responds to Questions
1. What are some actions children and parents can take to help them cope
    following these tragic events?
2. How much TV coverage should I allow my children to watch?
3. What should I think if my children shrug off the event or say they don't care?
4. There are many stories and images I don't want my children to carry with them.
    What stories should we be telling and encouraging our children to remember?
5. Some children cannot understand why families won't give up looking for lost
    people. It seems obvious to them that these people are gone. What do we tell
    them?   more»

9*11 AS HISTORY
Families and Work Institute, with a grant from the Bank One Foundation, developed 9/11 As History, a multi-dimensional program and resource to help youth, parents and educators address the anniversary of September 11th with resiliency and hope. This educactional initiative offers Web-based tools, including curricula, resources and tips, to help adults and youth of all ages reflect on and be intentional in their response to the anniversary. (from the web site)   http://www.familiesandwork.org/911ah/911ashistory.html

Parenting in the Wake of Terrorism
The initial shock from Sept. 11, 2001, has eased. Families have returned to many ordinary activities. Yet, many families are mourning, and some are still afraid. Troops have been mobilized, and security has been increased in many settings. The onset of bombing and the engagement of troops introduce new challenges. All observers say that it will be a long fight. Parents have tried to explain the original attack, but what next?

Parents are still responsible for guiding, supporting, and loving their children, but the environment is different. In times of stress, anger, fear, and military intervention, parents face a number of challenges, but the way that parents care for their children can be a powerful force to turn events around. The hints provided here are based on two assumptions: that children and families are affected by world events and news media, and that parents would benefit from seeking alternatives to violence in childrearing and in their children’s lives. more»  en Español

Preschool and Grade School: Understanding Children's Fears
http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1529D.pdf
To many parents, children’s fears make no sense at all. Nevertheless, to children, monsters lurking in the dark or scary noises coming from the attic are quite real.

Recognizing Stress in Children
http://www.preparerespondrecover.com/childrensneeds
A disaster is frightening to everyone. Several factors play an important part in a child's reaction to the event. Children will be affected by the amount of direct exposure they have had to the disaster.

Strategies for Parents and Teachers
http://www.preparerespondrecover.com/childrensneeds/strategies.html
During disasters, many families suffer from the onset of sudden stress. Severe stress can disrupt functioning. Overtime, relief from stress enables families to eventually reestablish equilibrium. Informed intervention can speed up this process and in many instances can prevent serious problems later.

Talking to Children About Terrorism: By the Numbers-Age Appropriate Responses for Parents and Others
While children may not be directly affected by the tragic events surrounding the terrorist attack on the Pentagon and World Trade Center, they will have questions and concerns about what it means for their world.  more»

Talking with Children About Terrorism
The terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon has captured the attention of the nation, and it should. Children, however have a hard time putting these emotionally charged events into perspective. They need the help of the adults around them. So what is a parent, teacher or other caring adult to do when terrorist violence fills the airwaves and the consciousness of America? more»  en Español

Talking With Children About Terrorism -- One Year Later: September 2002
It has been a year since the terrorist attack on the United States on Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001. Some of the attention has decreased, but it still is difficult to see a TV news program, newspaper, or even sitcom that does not mention that date and explore its impact. At times like the one-year point, news footage is repeated and many people again discuss the events of that day and its aftermath. We are said to be at war, but it does not look like wars that children have learned about. They are not sure if Sept. 11 was a war, whether it started a war, or who was involved. Some feel vulnerable and at risk. They need the help of the adults around them. So what is a parent, teacher, or other caring adult to do when terrorist violence and international conflict fill the airwaves and the consciousness of America?  more»

Talking With Children When the Talking Gets Tough
Wars, shootings in schools, natural disasters, deaths at sporting events—as adults we hope that these and other tragic outcomes will never happen anywhere and definitely will not affect the children and youth we care about. We would like to protect those young minds from the pain and horror of difficult situations. We would like to ensure that they have happy, innocent, and carefree lives. So what is a parent, teacher, or other caring adult to do when disasters fill the airwaves and the consciousness of society?  more»

When War is in the News (September 2003)
The United States is in a very long period of conflict as it attempts to fight the war on terrorism. Many troops have been deployed, and new men and women are sent overseas as others return. Government officials have spoken frequently about the need for military actions. The president has described some of the evil actions of the countries with which we have concerns.

Children probably do not understand the politics of this situation. For many, especially the youngest children, war is a distant event, and they do not pay attention to it. But many others are likely to be confused. They see parents being deployed and leaving their children behind. Seeing children in the news attracts other children’s attention. They may wonder if their own parents will be called to go away. As they hear about deaths of soldiers they may become especially worried. Older children may be confused when they hear differing opinions and recommendations. Many words are being used that are not familiar to children. more»  en Español


     


Links

Annotated Peace Resource List
http://peace.mennolink.org/resources/biglist/index.html

AskAsia: a K-12 Resource of the Asia Society
http://www.askasia.org/
A rich site where teachers, children ,parents, and organizations can read and learn about countries and cultures in Asia.

Concerned Educators Allied for a Safe Environment
http://www.peaceeducators.org/
"Concerned Educators Allied for a Safe Environment is a network of parents, teachers and other concerned individuals, who are dedicated to creating a safe and healthy world for children." (from the web site)

Fellowship of Reconciliation
http://www.forusa.org/
"FOR seeks to replace violence, war, racism, and economic injustice with nonviolence, peace, and justice. We are an interfaith organization committee to active nonviolence as a transforming way of life and as a means of radical change. We educate, train, build coalitions, and engage in nonviolent and compassionate actions locally, nationally, and globally." (from web site)

Global Kids
http://www.globalkids.info/
Features fairy tales, geography tidbits, and games.

Military Members and Families: Deployment Tips
http://www.redcross.org/services/afes/0,1082,0_482_,00.html
      -Tips for Military Spouses
      -Deployment Checklist
      -Tips for Returning Military Members
      -How to Use the American Red Cross During Family Emergencies When a
        National Guard or Reserve Member is Absent

On Earth Peace (Church of the Brethren)
http://www.brethren.org/oepa/
"The Peace Education program area of On Earth Peace is dedicated to developing leadership for peace in each new generation. By providing education materials, interactive workshops, peace retreats and opportunities for youth and adults to grow in leadership, On Earth Peace works to promote peace eduation in the Church of the Brethren. On Earth Peace recognizes the strength that is gained when people of faith gather to share ideas with one another, learn new concepts, and practice techniques that can be taken into the world." (from the web site)

The Peace and Justice Support Network (PJSN) of Mennonite Church USA     
http://peace.mennolink.org/about.html
The Peace and Justice Support Network (PJSN) of Mennonite Church USA was created during the spring of 2002. This inclusive group is open to anyone who wants to support in a special way Mennonite Church USA's work of peace and justice. Tasks of the support network include creating and keeping clear the vision of peace and justice in Mennonite Church USA
     - promoting the expansion of peace and justice through gaterings for
       inspiration,
     - providing counsel to Mennonite Church USA agencies and Executive Board,
     - sharing and publicizing resources for congregations,
     - communicating peace and justice work to the wider constituency.

The vision of the support network is to keep peace and justice central to the mission of the church in the world.

Quaker
http://www.spont.com/moviesintro.htm
Movies on peace and war issues recommended by Quakers

Quaker Peace and Social Witness (British)
http://www.quaker.org.uk/Shared_ASP_Files/UploadedFiles/C9C80472-2B84-46C2-89A1-D57BB0C4B775_QPSWPEAP.pdf
Includes a definition of peace education, descriptions of Quaker projects, and lists of resources.

Sadako Sasaki and the Thousand Paper Cranes
http://www.sadako.org
This site explores the story of Sadako and the thousand paper cranes and teachers children about the power to create change and values cherished by all cultures. It also teaches children how to fold paper cranes.

Teaching Peace to Children: Resources Available from Lombard Mennonite
Peace Center (LMPC)
http://www.lmpeacecenter.org/LMPC_books_for_sale-Schools_and_family.doc

Tolerance.Org
http://www.tolerance.org/
This is an online resource for parents, children, teens, educators/teachers, and organizations that is rich with
     - daily news about groups and individuals working for tolerance and fighting
       hate;
     - guidebooks for adult and youth activists;
     - practical resources for parents and teachers; and
     - entertaining and educational games for young children.

United Nations Global Teaching and Learning Project: Cyber School Bus
http://www.un.org/cyberschoolbus
This United Nations publication site is filled with basic information and activities for primary and secondary teachers who want to foster an awareness of human rights and peace.

United Through Reading
http://read2kids.org/united.htm
United Through Reading, an underway quality-of-life program for military families, helps keep parents and children connected while separated during long deployments, through the medium of reading aloud on videotape.

World Peace for Children
http://www.ppu.org.uk/learn/early/early_index.html
This site discusses global matters that concern children and gives them tools to build positive connections with children in other cultures. There are also stories about peace-making.






     Materials retrieved and compiled by Larissa V. Frias, Mary Schultheis,
                      and Judith Myers-Walls.