Berry, Joy (1987). Every Kids Guide to Understanding Human Rights. Chicago: Childrens Press.
A basic introduction to a few of the rights of children and to the concept of human rights that is of special usefulness for younger children.
Bradley, John (1987). Human Rights. New York: Gloucester Press.
The book examines human rights issues in a variety of countries and discusses the role of international organizations, such as Amnesty International, which work for human rights.
DermanSparks, L., and the A.B.C. Task Force (1989). AntiBias Curriculum: Tools for Empowering Young Children. Washington, DC: National Association for the Education of Young Children. $7.00. ISBN 0-935989-20-X. National Association for the Education of Young Children, 1824 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20009-5786.
The book goes beyond teaching tolerance, urging teachers to examine their biases and learn how they may influence children and reduce, handle, or eliminate biases. This practical book shows adults how to stand up for whats right and how to empower children so they can do the same.
Fry-Miller, Kathleen, and Judith A. Myers-Wall (198). Young Peacemakers Project Book. Elgin, IL: Brethren Press.
Activities introduce young children to concept of peacemaking, including global citizenship, interpersonal relations, and the environment.
Hatch, Virginia, et al. (1992). Human Rights for Children: A Curriculum for Teaching Human Rights to Children Ages 3-12. Alameda: Hunter House Inc. $10.95. ISBN 0-89793-121-1. Hunter House Inc., P.O. Box 2914, Alameda, CA 94501-0914, tel 510-865-5282, fax 510-865-4295.
Written by a group of Amnesty International educators, this resource book for teachers is structured around ten fundamental principles derived from the 1959 UN Declaration on the Rights of the Child. Each principle is presented with a teaching strategy that interprets it for classroom use and a series of activities that give life and meaning to the strategy. These creative activities include a variety of subject areas (geography, mathematics, language arts, social studies, art, music, and physical education) and are divided into three different developmental levels: preschool, primary, and upper-elementary. Following each section is a useful annotated bibliography of additional resources.
Judson, S., ed. (1984). A Manual on Nonviolence and Children. Philadelphia: New Society Publishers. Religious Society of Friends--Peace Committee 1977, 1515 Cherry St., Philadelphia, PA 19102.
This manual is designed to help children and adults establish an atmosphere in which they can resolve their problems and conflict nonviolently. Five elements contribute to such an atmosphere: affirmation, the sharing of feelings, information, experience, supportive community, problem solving, and enjoying life. The manual elaborates on each of these elements, with examples, activities, and resources to help adults develop an atmosphere of nonviolent action for children in their classrooms and elsewhere.
Written accounts of actual approaches used by teachers and parents illustrate the concepts emphasized in the book. Other chapters deal with meetings, staffings, and parent support groups. The "Books for Young People" section lists specific books in three categories (conflict resolution, sex roles, and feelings) and provides some tips for using the books.
Rocha, R., and O. Roth (1987). The Universal Declaration of Human Rights: An Adaptation for Children. New York: United Nations Publications.
The original text of this basic human rights document is adapted into simpler language and accompanied by beautiful illustrations.
Schniedewind, N., and E. Davidson (1987). Cooperative Learning, Cooperative Lives. Dubuque, IA: Wm. C. Brown Company Publishers. $26.00. ISBN: 0-697-02274-9. Brown Roa, 2460 Kerter Blvd., Dubuque, IA 52001, tel 800-922-7696, fax 319-589-4705.
The book is sequential in its approach to both process (cooperative learning formats) and content (cooperation as a theme). Chapters include "Why Cooperative Learning and Living," "The Nuts and Bolts of Implementing Cooperative Learning," "Finding and Appreciating Strengths in Ourselves and Others," "Joining Together at School," "Pulling Together in Families," "Communities and Workplaces," "Making Everyone Winners Across the Land," and "Working Together for Worldwide Independence and Peace." The "Resources" chapter summarizes teaching and evaluation formats for cooperative learning and provides an extensive annotated bibliography. Teachers of young children can find stimulating ideas and excellent resources on cooperative learning. The book is ideal for the upper elementary and middle/junior high school classroom.
Smith, C.A. (1993). The Peaceful Classroom: 162 Easy Activities to Teach Preschoolers Compassion and Cooperation. Mt. Rainier, MD: Gryphon House, 3706 Otis St., Mt. Rainier, MD 20712.
These activities were designed for 3 to 5-year-old children, but can be adapted up to age 8. The book is divided into four chapters, but need not be followed in a particular sequence. These original, interesting, and engaging activities are structured and described with the following headings: "Skills Developed," "Introduction," "Age," "People Words to Use," "Center," "Things You Will Need," "What To Do," "Want To Do More?," "Involving Parents." This book is easy to read and to use immediately.
UNICEF (1989). Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. New York: E.P. Dutton.
A beautifully illustrated picture book presenting the ten principles of the rights of the child in language appropriate to preschool and elementary children.
UNICEF (1990). We the Children. New York: W.W. Norton & Co.
Photographs by the worlds leading photojournalists show diverse children at play, school, work, and rest. Excellent for use as a classroom resource.
UNICEF-UK (1990). Songs, Games and Stories from Around the World. London: UNICEF-UK. ISBN 1-871440-06-8. UNICEF-UK, 55 Lincolns Inn Fields, London WC2A 3NB, United Kingdom.
The book is aimed at those working with children under the age of eight years who wish to introduce them to wider world experiences. It includes 17 songs with music and words in English and other languages, 15 games, and 14 stories. A 21-minute audio cassette of the songs is also available.