Summary: Students will recognize the symbols of wartime childhood, and by familiarizing themselves with the story from the War Childhood Museum’s collection, they will reflect on and discuss the consequences of armed conflicts for children.

Main age group: 13-15

Time needed: 1-2 x 45-minute periods

Objectives:

  • Observing the specifics of growing up in wartime.
  • Recognize some severe consequences of war; life in exile, loss of home, growing up in a hotel/refugee camp.
  • Learning about the importance of civil society organizations such as the aforementioned Caritas and others.
  • Reflecting and discussing the consequences of wartime childhood, children’s suffering and the various circumstances that war can entail.
  • Expressing a critical opinion about the effects of war events on childhood, on free play and pointing out the limited possibilities.
  • Recognizing the responsibility of the community and strangers for the needs of others in wartime circumstances (accommodation, aid packages, inclusion, support).

Materials needed: Printed out materials from annexes, small pieces of paper in different colors depending on the number of  groups and the number of students in the class/group.

Download Activity Plan PDF
Themes: Becoming and being a refugee, fleeing, escape, separation from family members, route to safety, life in refugee camps; seeking and finding support, solidarity during war, finding safety, playing and toys.
Emotions and feelings: Sadness, fear, helplessness, worry, connection
Types of objects: Toys
Methodologies: Active listening, discussion, individual work, small group work
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This activity plan was developed with the support of the Erasmus+ program by Ani Galović (Croatia).