This unit helps K-2 teachers build upon foundational concepts of being peace builders in communities through study of high quality literature and information. Topics include gender bias, multicultural role models, qualities of heroes and peace builders. Influential peace builders mentioned include Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Cesar Chavez, Mahatma Gandhi, Florence Nightingale, Malala Yousafzai, and Wangari Maathai. Discovering through our readings the formidable qualities of influential people compels young scholars to identify with these great leaders. With the help of literature and information, students will examine these inner qualities and values developed in influential peace builders and in themselves. I hope to spark their own expressive dreams of building peace in our community as they create their own autobiographies: portraits of peace builders. Our children need to know that they truly are an important part of the community and, even at their young age, they can make a world of difference. The unit meets Common Core Reading Literature, Reading Information, and Writing standards. Background information of literature genres related to young children, teaching strategies, and activity examples to bring out the best in our young future heroes are provided.

(Developed for English Language Arts and History/Social Science, grade 1; recommended for English Language Arts and History/Social Science, grades K-2)