The “Be the Peace” Peace Tree ​

  • Have students draw trees and write peace values, for example, respect, kindness, non-violence, empathy, caring, and love on the tree. They can also make up slogans like “Be the Peace,” “No Violence”, “Choose Peace”, and “Peace is Possible”. See Tree #1 and  Tree #2. Make sure to add roots. 
  • Craft. Have students create their tree by using different materials – cotton, cartridge paper, paints, paper towel tube, glue, crocus bag. See Tree #3. 
  • Have students create a tree similar to the tree that is used for strategic planning.  See Tree #4 below. Have the students write peace values and peace slogans instead. Make sure the roots are added.  
  • Create a big tree in an area of the school – or in more than one area - or in the classroom. Place peace values and slogans at the roots and hang them from the branches. See Tree #5.​
  • Jamaican trees. Students can celebrate Jamaica’s trees by drawing and filling in peace values and slogans on any or all of the following trees: i) the Lignum Vitae – the strongest tree; ii) the Silk Cotton tree – the largest tree; iii) the Blue Mahoe - the national tree; iv) the coconut tree. 


​“Be the Peace” Conversation​

Start the day by talking to your students about peace. Invite their responses to questions such as, What does peace look like? Why is peace important? How can you be a peacemaker? What does “Be the Peace” mean? You could also sustain the conversation for a week by taking a question each day, adding your own questions.​


​“Be the Peace” Role Plays​

  • Have students do role plays that show how NOT to “Be the Peace” and then the “Be the Peace” version of the same situation.
  • Have students commit to three “Be the Peace” behaviours that they will use in class, outside of the classroom, and at home. Have them role-play those behavaiours in those settings.


​ “The Tree Song”​

 “The Tree Song”
Have students learn the first verse and chorus of The Tree Song. See above for the lyrics. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxEeRz9AI1w


“Be the Peace” Pinwheels ​

  • See https://www.firstpalette.com/craft/pinwheel.html for guidance in making pinwheels.
  • Ask students to brainstorm words and images that can be used to decorate the pinwheels that represent peace.
  • Have the students write peace values and peace slogans on the pinwheel.
  • Students can “plant” their pinwheels outside. See below.


​Peace Spinwheel Game​

Picture
  • Paper plates may be used.
  • Have students make a spinwheel, writing in peace-building behaviours in each segment of the wheel. Some suggestions have been given here.
  •  Have them play the game – A student spins the wheel. When the wheel stops spinning, the student must do the activity on which the spinner has landed.


​“Be the Peace” Posters

Have students create posters illustrating the theme.​


​“Be the Peace” Rap

“Be the Peace” Rap​: Have students compose a "Be the Peace" rap song.

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​Peace Day Creative Writing

Set out below are some writing prompts for your students. The students may work individually, in pairs, in groups, or even as a whole class. Make the activity age appropriate.
  • What makes you feel peaceful?
  • Why is it important to have Peace Day?
  • Write a poem about what it sounds like, feels like, and looks like to be peaceful.
  • How can we teach people to be peaceful?
  • Describe peace in five words.​

​Peace Day Concert