Summary: Students read simplified versions of some of their rights as well as personal stories and diary excerpts from the War Childhood Museum’s collection, and they recognize which of the rights have been denied to children in the stories. They make poster presentations about children’s rights and organize a school assembly to present them to their peers.

Main age group(s) for activity or activities: 9-10

Time needed: 2 x 1 hour session

Objectives

  • To learn what the word ‘right’ means in the context of human rights.
  • To learn about a number of rights from the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child using diary excerpts and stories from the War Childhood Museum’s collection as examples.
  • To discuss which rights in their view are the most fundamental rights.
  • To find out which of these rights are often denied to children during wartime.

Materials needed: Copies of the 20 chosen children’s rights, copies of diary excerpts and personal objects and stories from the War Childhood Museum’s collection (all available in Annexes).

Download Activity Plan PDF
Themes: Children’s rights
Emotions and feelings: Empathy, understanding
Types of objects: Diaries, accessories, currency
Methodologies: Group work, discussion, posters/presentations