Summary: Using internet resources to conduct research on individual case studies of child soldiers in history, students will build up a knowledge base about children in the military as well as reflect on these children’s experiences in their own creative writing summary.

Main age group: 13-15

Time needed: 3 x 45-minute periods

Objectives:

  • Adding to students’ historical knowledge in general
  • Understand that current problems in society also have a historical precedent which can help us deal with present issues
  • By investigating issues faced by children like themselves in the past, students understand that a sense of empathy is necessary for understanding history
  • Encourage creative writing based on history and a sense of empathy

Materials needed: Notebooks, pens, paper, pencils, coloured pencils, screen/projector, computer/tablet/laptop per student/group.

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Themes: Child soldiers, helping, being a child in war/everyday life in war, personal loss, education, school
Emotions and feelings: Fear, patriotism, anger, numbness, pride
Types of objects: Videos
Methodologies: Group research, presentations, discussion, creative writing
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This activity plan was developed with the support of the Erasmus+ program by Carolyn Moschopolous, and Harrie Wiesema (Netherlands).