Civil War | Project Based Learning
In this short, project-based health lesson, kindergarten students explore the idea of a "civil war" as a family or community disagreement and learn simple, healthy ways to stay safe, calm, and kind during conflict. Students create a class poster showing peaceful choices they can use when people disagree.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| conflict | When people disagree or have a problem. |
| calm | Feeling peaceful and relaxed. |
| peaceful | Kind and safe; not hurtful. |
| help | Support from a grown-up or friend. |
Show two simple picture cards of children having a disagreement. Say, 'Sometimes people do not agree. That can feel hard. Today we will learn peaceful ways to handle conflict.'
Look at the pictures and share one feeling word, such as mad, sad, or worried.
Model three safe choices: take a deep breath, use kind words, and ask a grown-up for help. Keep language simple and concrete.
Repeat each choice with the teacher and practice one deep breath together.
Invite students to help create a poster titled 'We Can Be Peaceful.' Give each child a sticky note or paper shape to add one calm choice or drawing.
Draw or dictate one peaceful action and place it on the class poster.
Point to several poster items and ask, 'How can this help when people disagree?' Reinforce correct responses.
Share their idea with a partner or the class.
Summarize: 'When there is conflict, we can stay calm, be kind, and get help.'
Say the three peaceful choices aloud with the teacher.
Review the poster and celebrate the class for thinking of peaceful ways to handle disagreements. End with one calm breath together.
Teacher observes student participation during discussion and poster creation, noting whether each student can identify conflict and demonstrate at least one peaceful response.
At home, ask a family member to name one peaceful choice to use when people disagree. Students can draw that choice on a half-sheet of paper and return it to school.