On the anniversary of the war in Ukraine, here are some ideas that you might do in your classroom with an older class. Obviously, it goes without saying, these ideas need to be dealt with sensitively as you are likely to have Ukrainian children in your class. You may also have Russian children in your class too.
1. The Causes of the War in Ukraine: Introduce pupils to the causes of the war in Ukraine, and focus on the events that led up to the start of the conflict. Students could examine the roles of different countries and leaders, and discuss the implications of the war.
2. How Has the War Affected the People of Ukraine? Provide primary school pupils with an overview of the war’s impact on the people of Ukraine. Students might learn about the displacement of people and the destruction of homes and businesses, as well as the humanitarian crisis that has resulted from the conflict.
3. The Role of Negotiation in Resolving Conflicts: It might be interesting to discuss the role of negotiation in resolving conflicts, with a focus on the efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Children might learn about negotiations in other conflicts and how strategies were used to reach a peaceful resolution.
4. The Importance of Solidarity: Explore the importance of solidarity, both in resolving conflicts and in providing support for those affected by war. Explore different approaches to solidarity, such as political pressure and humanitarian aid, and discuss the importance of working together to achieve peace.
5. Investigating the Impact of War: Provide pupils with an opportunity to investigate the impact of war on individuals and communities. Through discussion and research activities, students will explore the effects of the war in Ukraine on the local population, and consider how they can take action to help.