The Roots of Violence:
Wealth without work,
Pleasure without conscience,
Knowledge without character,
Commerce without morality,
Science without humanity,
Worship without sacrifice,
Politics without principles.1
~ Mohandas K. Gandhi
Mission Statement
The purpose of this unit is to integrate non-violent curriculum into the culture of the school as well as influence the learning "culture" of the students' homes. This first grade unit will highlight extensive research on brain-based learning and the effects of violence on the brain. It will also emphasize the importance of developing a student's social and emotional intelligence. This unit will also assist the teacher to establish an engaging, empowering, and safe learning environment for inquiry, intrapersonal as well as interpersonal discovery.
The teacher will use the books The Story of Ferdinand and Chrysanthemum to examine the topics of bullying, non-violence, and friendship. Students will learn life lessons from fictional characters and a real-life leader, such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (MLK). Students will learn how MLK coped with and stood up to bullies in his childhood in a chapter from the book Martin Luther King, Jr.: Young Man with a Dream. This unit will help build critical thinking skills through experiential group and solo activities, as well as introducing interviewing skills at school and at home. The teacher will be able to encourage family participation with a simple, straightforward, and informative take-home interviewing activity for family members. This unit will partially fulfill the belief that state/national standards need to integrate non-violent curriculum – to help the teacher, student, and parent/guardian encourage non-violent behavior for better learning and healthier development. We need more development in this area for all grade levels.
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