8th Grade Cultural Activities (by date, oldest first)

These Who is/What is Cards feature Christmas figures and traditions from around the world. Each page features a half-page card with a reading passage about the holiday and a half-page fact card. Perfect for use with Christmas around the world worksheets, games, and units or as supplemental posters for your classroom. Print on cardstock and laminate to use again and again.

Included:

La Befana

Christkind

St. Lucia

Christmas Tree

Mistletoe

Poinsettia

Three Kings Day

Tree of Light

*Black and white versions of the cards are included for easy printing*

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Looking for other activities for older kids?

Winter Activities for Older Kids - No Prep

Holiday Toy Trends Mini Research Unit

Middle School Vocabulary Worksheet {plain and themed versions}

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Russian language printable Montessori wild zoo animals flashcards DIGITAL DOWNLOAD.

Карточки для детей

Help to develop your child’s Russian vocabulary by using these flashcards with real pictures to teach the names of wild animals, you could usually see at the zoo,

cards could also be used for kids who are starting to read, or as posters, if you leave them as is without cutting, four cards per page.

Rounded corners for safety.

Four cards per US-letter size page.

For personal use only please do not share or sell the files.

Russian language printable Montessori pet animals flashcards DIGITAL DOWNLOAD.

Карточки для детей

Help to develop your child’s Russian vocabulary by using these flashcards with real pictures to teach the names of pet animals,

cards could also be used for kids who are starting to read.

Four cards per page, each card is about 4" by 5".

Rounded corners for safety.

For personal use only, please do not share or sell this file.

In "Photo Finish", introduce your kids to some great music from indigenous instruments from Africa! Using your classroom Djembe or Tubanos (along with tambourines), learn the music by rote by taking it one rehearsal section at a time (with rehearsal markings [A], [B], [C], and so forth). This is terrific practice with your older students who want to work on alternating hands and adding different timbres in with the tambourine

Included is the key for tubano and tambourine notation

At the end, wrap it up and put on a show! Want to layer it?

• Have shakers play 16th notes all the way throughout or in specific sections
• Have half the class play 1st and 3rd measures, the other half play 2nd and 4th measures
• Do it in a round! :)

Use this in class, a concert, a parent showcase, admin, faculty and staff, whatever you wish!

Have a terrific time with this one :)

In "Take it to Mali", introduce your kids to some great music from indigenous instruments from Africa! Using your classroom Djembe or Tubanos, learn the music by rote by taking it one rehearsal section at a time (with rehearsal markings [A], [B], [C], and so forth). This is terrific practice with your older students who want to work on alternating hands

The notation on the first space F is a bass (middle of the drum) and the x notation on the third space C is a tone (four fingers near the rim of the drum, pitched a bit higher)

At the end, wrap it up and put on a show! Want to layer it?

• Have tambourines or shakers play on specified beats (try 2 and 4)
• Have shakers play 16th notes all the way throughout or in specific sections
• Have half the class play 1st and 3rd measures, the other half play 2nd and 4th measures
• Do it in a round! :)

Have a terrific time with this one... and take it to Mali!

In the Tubano MEGAPACK! you get 14 great Tubano drumming arrangements all prices at 20% off when purchase here together!

These range from easy to difficult and are great for all ages, either taught by rote or taught by reading.

With 14 different arrangements from 3/4, 4/4, and 6/8 at various tempi you prescribe, the fun never ends! :)

In TOTALLY TUBANOS, you will receive 6 great tubano arrangements you can do with your Tubano drums @ 20% OFF when purchased all together! For all arrangements, here are some notes about the drumming:

The notation on the first space F is a bass (middle of the drum) and the notation on the third space C is a tone (four fingers near the rim of the drum, pitched a bit higher)

At the end, wrap it up and put on a show! Want to layer it?

• Have tambourines or shakers play on specified beats (try 2 and 4)
• Have shakers play 16th notes all the way throughout or in specific sections
• Have half the class play 1st and 3rd measures, the other half play 2nd and 4th measures
• Do it in a round! :)

Use this in class, a concert, a parent showcase, admin, faculty and staff, whatever you wish!

Enseigner l'histoire des Autochtones à vos élèves de 5e à 7e années peut être une matière délicate, sans parler de difficulté. Il est impératif de les amener à réfléchir profondément, à s'engager et à discuter activement de certains sujets difficiles. Il faut des heures de travail pour faire la recherche et encore plus pour créer des activités attrayantes pour accompagner le contenu.

Cherchez pas plus loin. Cet ensemble contient tout ce dont vous avez besoin pour enseigner à vos élèves les droits de la personne, les droits des enfants, l'identité et l'histoire autochtone.

* Les activités de la Journée du chandail orange sont mieux enseignées au début de l'année scolaire; car ce jour est en septembre. Le reste du contenu peut être enseigné à tout moment.*

Ce document massif de 62 pages contient:

• contenu, vocabulaire, histoire, images ;
• des opportunités d'avoir des discussions animées ;
• des travaux indépendants ;
• des travaux de groupe et des recherches ;
• une étude en art visuel ;
• projets d'art ;
• la lecture et l'écriture de poésie ;
• de multiples lectures et activités entourant la Journée du chandail orange ;
• Symboles amérindiens
• Se retrouver à travers l'art
• Recherche en arts visuels + travail biographique
• Autoévaluations/buts
• Création d'un album photo sur les arts autochtones
• Lire et écrire un poème pour la Journée du chandail orange
• Une activité sur les sentiments et les droits de l'enfant
• Modèles de projets artistiques (t-shirt et plumes)
• Activités sur 'Je ne suis pas un numéro' (lecture à voix haute + questions d'approfondissement)

Vous aimez ce que vous voyez mais voulez en voir plus? Envoyez-moi un message pour demander des cours et activités spécifiques!

Détendez-vous - j'ai celui-ci!
♡ Mme. Kaitlyn

Your middle schoolers are bored and tired of the same coloring sheets, crosswords, and pumpkin cutouts they've seriously been doing for years. Do them a favor and switch up your Halloween routine with this fun project-based Halloween unit which features cross-curricular content in math and language arts.

In this unit, you (or your sub!) can easily lead an independent, self-guided project for your middle-school students in grades 4 through 8. As with all of my products, you'll never see frilly hard-to-read fonts or babyish images. My products are intended for your students who think they're adults, but aren't quite there! They're loaded with examples and easy-to-understand language.

In this 13-page resource, you'll find the following activities, templates, prompts, examples and tasks that will keep them busy for days!

• "Une maison hantée thématique" - An activity that will get your students brainstorming a theme for their haunted house and a final reflexive activity on making their choice.

• "Donnez des frissons!" - An activity intended to have students stick to their "theme" and give details about the different rooms or areas within their haunted house. This activity should bring to life their design and concept.

• "Le plan d'étage" - A guided example of a building plan including a "légende" with typically used symbols in engineering to construct their one- (or multiple-) storey haunted house on paper.

• Also included is a large-format example to display for your students who need the extra visual supports.

• Also included is a blank sheet for students to draw their haunted house's building plan.

• "Mesures de ma maison hantée" - An activity to push your students' mathematical brains. These activities have step-by-step examples on changing the scale of their "paper" haunted houses to a realistic measurement, as well as calculating the perimeter and area of each of the areas within the house! Formulas are given and explained if you haven't quite got here, yet! This step will include multiplying decimal numbers.

• "Des paragraphes terrifiants!" - This writing activity will have your students thinking about audience and the purpose of writing. Miniature graphic organizers are provided for your students to create descriptive, persuasive and narrative paragraphs as well as a poster project to "sell" their haunted house!

• "Boutique Bouh!" - A series of math activities to boost your students' abilities to estimate and add decimal numbers including:

• Boutique Bouh!'s store prices to be used in 2 other activities:

• Story problems/written problems.

• Building a mathematically specific treat bag!

• "La liste de courses" - An activity that will have your students sticking to a budget when choosing the items they'll need to create the haunted house of their dreams! This activity includes a catalogue of items and prices at a local hardware store, and your students will have to calculate based on quantity, add and multiply decimal numbers, and finalize their total bill which must not surpass 1000$.

• "Potions des monstres" - An activity on ordering decimal numbers from smallest to greatest.

If you're looking for basic Halloween themed worksheets, I've got those here.

If you're looking for a more research-based approach to the traditions and culture surrounding this Holiday, I've also got those here.

Plongez vos élèves dans l'exploration fascinante des légendes du monde entier avec ce projet de recherche interactif ! Ce produit pédagogique offre aux étudiants l'opportunité d'étudier des légendes provenant de cultures variées, allant des histoires locales du Québec et des cultures autochtones, jusqu'aux récits d'Afrique, d'Écosse, de Porto Rico, de Nouvelle-Zélande, d'Hawaï, de Russie, et bien plus encore. Les élèves découvriront comment les traditions orales ont traversé le temps et comment elles reflètent les valeurs et les croyances des différentes cultures.

Dans ce document, vous trouverez tout le nécessaire pour démarrer ce projet :

• Explications claires : Des instructions détaillées pour guider les enseignants et les élèves à travers chaque étape du projet.
• Critères de réussite : Des indicateurs précis pour aider les élèves à comprendre les attentes de leur recherche et présentation.
• Rubriques d'évaluation : Des outils d'évaluation pour les présentations orales et les travaux écrits, facilitant la correction.
• Clés de réponses : Un guide complet pour corriger les graphiques, les infographies et les présentations des élèves.
• Organisateurs graphiques : Des modèles pratiques pour aider les élèves à structurer leurs recherches et à synthétiser les informations.
• Auto-évaluations : Des outils pour que les élèves puissent réfléchir sur leur propre travail et leurs compétences.

Les enseignants auront également le choix entre deux versions pour que les élèves sélectionnent leur légende :

1. Tirage au sort : Imprimez et découpez les différentes légendes pour les placer dans un chapeau ou un bocal, permettant un choix aléatoire.
2. Activité de carousel : Utilisez les versions résumées des textes pour une activité de type caroussel, où les élèves pourront explorer les 40 légendes et choisir celle qui les inspire le plus.

This bundle of 25 worksheets will get you through this last crazy week!

My students are very low-level and not easy to engage. My products are not babyish and are created for grades 5-8. The vocabulary and concepts are very basic; but I try to create documents that are at their maturity level. My Core French products are built around this demographic and this concept.

Here are the activities you'll find in here:

Étiquettes-cadeau

Coloriage

• "Renne"
• "Mes mitaines d'hiver"
• "Mes vêtements d'hiver"
• "Chandail de Noël moche" (Ugly Christmas Sweater)

Blank tree to decorate

Casse-tête - Les cloches de Noël

Bonhomme de neige en hiver (simple writing prompt)

Mots cachés

• "Les saisons"
• "Noël"

Relier les points

• Père Noël (x2)
• Maison de pain d'épice (x2)
• Manchot/Pingouin

Colorier par nombre

Noël: Vocabulaire à tracer

Noël: Nouveaux mots de vocabulaire

Drawing + Small text

• "Mon bas de Noël"
• "Mon plat de Noël"

Poème acrostiche Noël

Nombres et couleurs de Noël (compter et colorier ornements).

On lâche pas! Hang in there.

Mme. Kaitlyn.

You can earn TeachShare CREDITS by leaving feedback on any of the products you purchase. You can do so by going to MY PURCHASES your page and clicking on the "Provide Feedback" button. You will earn 1 TPT Credit for every dollar you spend!

You've asked and I've listened. This mega bundle is now available in a zipped format, and you can find that here. If you prefer not to use a Google Drive for your files, head this way!

If you teach Core French (FSL) to grades 4-8 and struggle to engage, interest and get them excited about French, then this is the bundle for you. It contains every single Core French product from my store.

My students have been known as low-level and require high levels of engagement. My products match that and are ready to be used, require no prep and are quick and easy to project and GO.

Check out the preview to see what you'll get from this mega bundle which will cover you for the year!

Welcome to the Mega Massive Grade 6 Bundle—your ultimate resource for an entire year's worth of curriculum! This extraordinary bundle includes 131 documents and a staggering 4,000+ pages of content, covering every aspect of Grade 6 Math, French Language Arts, Science, "Transdisciplinary" Units, Cross-Curricular Units, and Project-Based Learning.

Here's what you'll find packed into this 131 document crypt:

Language Arts:

• Complete Genre Studies: Detailed lessons and activities for all genres.
• Mini-Lessons and Workshops: Comprehensive tools for reading and writing instruction.
• Reading and Writing Prompts: Engaging activities to boost literacy skills.
• Excerpts and Writing Pieces: Diverse texts for comprehension and writing practice.
• Modelled Examples and Lesson Plans: Clear guides to support effective teaching.
• Verb and Grammar Units: Thorough resources for mastering French language skills.
• Task and Flash Cards: Interactive tools for grammar and vocabulary practice.
• Posters and Anchor Charts: Essential visual aids for classroom support.

Math:

• Paperless Teaching Slides: Digital slides for all math outcomes, ideal for projection.
• Assessments with Answer Keys: Complete evaluation tools to track student progress.
• Activities and Games: Fun, interactive ways to reinforce math concepts.
• Printable and Digital Games: Versatile resources for various teaching styles.
• Enrichment Material: Advanced content to challenge high-achieving students.
• No-Prep Lessons: Ready-to-go activities that require minimal preparation.

Project-Based Learning:

• Science and Social Studies Projects: Inquiry-based units including Dragons' Den, Sustainable Future projects, Endangered Species studies, Political Platform creation, Haunted House design, and Space Food exploration.
• Health Documents: Comprehensive materials on sexuality, puberty, and other health topics.
• Themed Day Content: Engaging projects for Orange Shirt Day, Pink Shirt Day, Remembrance Day, Earth Day, and a project on O Canada.

Why You'll Love It:

• Massive Content Collection: Over 4,000 pages and 131 documents covering every subject.
• No-Prep, Ready-to-Go: Perfect for busy teachers and easy to leave with a substitute.
• Engaging and Comprehensive: Promotes student independence with project-based and inquiry learning.
• Constantly Growing: New materials added regularly to keep your curriculum up-to-date.
• Versatile and Easy to Use: Printable and digital formats for flexible teaching options.

Get the Mega Massive Grade 6 Bundle today and transform your classroom with this all-encompassing resource, designed to make planning easier and teaching more effective!

** Buying these individually would cost you WELL over $530 USD (that's like OVER $725 CAD). So save yourself time and money and get ready for the next school year! **

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You can earn TeachShare CREDITS by leaving feedback on any of the products you purchase. You can do so by going to MY PURCHASES your page and clicking on the "Provide Feedback" button. You will earn 1 TeachShare Credit for every dollar you spend!

For goodness sakes, don't forget to have fun!

Mme Kaitlyn

Vous souhaitez intégrer l’apprentissage par projet et par inquisition dans votre classe, tout en abordant du matériel d’études sociales ? Cet ensemble comprend toutes les ressources de ma boutique qui permettront à vos élèves d'explorer les cartes, la politique, l'histoire, l'économie, la citoyenneté, l'environnement et leur apprentissage social et émotionnel.

J'enseigne avec une approche transdisciplinaire et j'aborde mes projets et activités sous plusieurs angles pour que vos élèves puissent lire, écrire, rechercher, s'amuser et créer des projets individuellement et en petits groupes qui vous épateront !

Ce bundle comprend les 14 ressources suivantes :

• La position géographique (71 pages): A detailed look at cartography, geography and the history of mapping.
• Règles, droits et démocratie canadienne (10 pages): A detailed look at democracy, rules, voting and the political system in Canada.
• Plateformes et politique canadienne (24 pages): Lead an election in your classroom with this project-based approach!
• Brochure touristique (30 pages): Canadian Provinces research project.
• Les secteurs industriels (20 pages + kahoot link): The Canadian Industrial sectors are covered and a link to a Kahoot. A surveying project ties social studies outcomes in with math outcomes with a 14 page student work-book.
• Les autochtones au Canada (50+ pages!): A 2-week long unit on Aboriginals in Canada (my favorite document in my TeachShare store - by far!)
• Symboles et identité (60+ pages!): A 2-week long unit on Canadian symbolism, identity & patriotism
• Oh Canada! (10 pages): A cross-curricular writing, reading and researching activity getting students to rewrite the National Anthem.
• La journée du chandail rose (50+ pages): A unit on bullying.
• Recherche sur les premiers ministres canadiens (23 pages): A small research project on Canadian prime ministers.
• Dans l'oeil du dragon (44 pages): A project-based unit on designing an invention and showing it to a panel of dragons!
• BurgerLove! (60 pages): A project-based look at food waste and the Canadian economy.
• Le jour du souvenir (45 pages): An in-depth look at the history of war and peace.

Like what you see but want to see more? Send me a message to request specific lessons and activities & Subscribe to my TeachShare Store to stay in the loop!

Take care of each other and HAVE FUN!

♡ Mme. Kaitlyn

"Transcending: Voices of Triumph" is a groundbreaking collection of narratives that shines a light on the lives of 20 extraordinary transgender individuals who have risen above challenges to excel in various fields. From artists to activists, scientists to politicians, each story is a testament to the strength, resilience, and brilliance of the transgender community.

This book takes you on an inspiring journey through diverse experiences and backgrounds, showcasing how each individual has not only navigated their personal transitions but also made significant contributions to society. Their stories are ones of courage, determination, and triumph over adversity, offering powerful insights into the human spirit.

These are the 20:

Elliot Page - An Oscar-nominated actor known for roles in films like "Juno" and "Inception." He came out as transgender in 2020 and has since been an outspoken advocate for transgender rights.

Dr. Rachel Levine - A physician and professor of pediatrics and psychiatry, Dr. Levine is the first openly transgender federal official to be confirmed by the Senate in the United States. She serves as the Assistant Secretary for Health.

Sarah McBride - An American politician and activist, Sarah McBride is the first openly transgender state senator in the United States, serving in the Delaware Senate.

Lana Wachowski - Co-director of the "Matrix" trilogy and "Cloud Atlas," Lana Wachowski is a film director, writer, and producer. She transitioned in the early 2010s and has been open about her experiences as a transgender woman.

Martine Rothblatt - She is a lawyer, author, and entrepreneur, best known for her role in founding several biotechnology companies, including United Therapeutics, and for her earlier work in satellite communications.

Saskia Wieringa (Uganda) - A prominent academic and activist, Saskia Wieringa has worked extensively on gender and sexuality issues, particularly focusing on the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals in African societies.

Kalki Subramaniam (India) - An activist, artist, and actor, Kalki Subramaniam is a transgender rights activist and founder of Sahodari Foundation, an organization that supports transgender people in India.

Aderet (Israel) - A pop singer known for her unique voice and style, Aderet is a transgender woman who has gained popularity in Israel's music scene.

Tiara Mack (Zimbabwe) - Born in Zimbabwe and raised in the United States, Tiara Mack is a politician and activist. She is known for being the first openly queer Black woman in the Rhode Island Senate.

Ricki Kgositau (Botswana) - A transgender activist, Ricki Kgositau has been instrumental in advocating for transgender rights in Botswana, including a landmark case that allowed for the legal recognition of gender identity.

Lea T (Brazil) - Born in Brazil, Lea T is a well-known fashion model. She has been a muse for Givenchy and has been featured in numerous high-profile fashion campaigns and magazines.

Nisha Ayub - Nisha Ayub is a prominent Malaysian transgender rights activist. She has been a vocal advocate for the transgender community in Malaysia, a country where LGBTQ+ rights are still very much a contentious issue. Nisha co-founded SEED Malaysia, the country's first transgender-led organization, and has worked tirelessly to support the health and legal rights of transgender people in Malaysia.

Vladimir Luxuria (Italy) - A politician, actress, and television host, Vladimir Luxuria was the first openly transgender member of Parliament in Europe, representing the Communist Refoundation Party in Italy.

Jordan Raskopoulos (Australia) - A comedian, actor, and lead singer of the comedy rock band The Axis of Awesome, Jordan Raskopoulos came out as a transgender woman in 2016 and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.

Eddie Izzard (United Kingdom) - A stand-up comedian, actor, and writer, Eddie Izzard has had a successful career in comedy and film. Izzard identifies as gender fluid and transgender and has been a vocal advocate for transgender rights.

Jin Xing is a highly celebrated figure, not only as an entrepreneur but also as a dancer, choreographer, and television personality. She is often hailed as one of the first publicly recognized transgender individuals in China.

Kim Petras (Germany) - A pop singer and songwriter, Kim Petras has gained international recognition for her music. She underwent gender transition at a young age and has been open about her experiences as a transgender woman.

Valentina Sampaio (Brazil) - Although primarily known as a model, Valentina Sampaio has also made strides in acting. She is notable for being the first openly transgender model to work for Victoria's Secret and has been a vocal advocate for transgender rights.

Jake Zyrus (Philippines) - Formerly known as Charice Pempengco, Jake Zyrus is a singer who gained international fame through YouTube. He came out as a transgender man in 2017 and has continued his successful music career.

Cleopatra Kambugu (Uganda) - A biochemist and transgender rights activist, Cleopatra Kambugu has been featured in documentaries and has been a vocal advocate for transgender rights in Uganda.

All images in this book are representations of the individuals and not actual photos of the person

Young Voices: Stories of Courage & Resilience in Conflict & Adversity

64 pages

Grade 5 to 8

All stories also available individually

Discover the resilience and hope of youth with our collection of eight short stories for grades 5 to 8, each set against the backdrop of global conflict and adversity. These narratives, ranging from a diary in the ruins of Gaza to unexpected friendships in Kashmir, offer a window into the impact of war on young lives. They capture the essence of innocence and the unyielding human spirit, providing a poignant exploration of loss, tradition, and the strength found in family and friendship bonds amidst turmoil.

Our carefully curated anthology spans from the streets of Sarajevo to the tense borders of East Ukraine and beyond, bringing to light the often-overlooked experiences of children in war-torn environments. These authentic tales not only confront the harsh realities of violence but also weave threads of hope, suggesting paths toward healing and peace. This collection is a profound reminder of our shared humanity and the vital importance of nurturing and listening to the world's youth, who carry the promise of a brighter, more united future.

Each story comes with a set of probing and thought-provoking questions.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Stories

Iqbal & Yasmin: A Kashmiri Story

● A Kashmiri boy starts a cricket league to bring together youth from opposing

sides and provide hope in the midst of conflict.

Mykhala & Daniela: Slava Ukraini

● Two girls driven from their homes in Ukraine find friendship and purpose in

creating a bird sanctuary, becoming symbols of resilience and peace.

Kiribati: Rising Tides, Resilient Hearts

● Two girls from the island nation of Kiribati find strength in their bond as their

community is forced to leave their sinking homeland.

Irene’s Steps: A Story from the Troubles in Northern Ireland

● An unlikely friendship between a Catholic girl and a Protestant boy in Northern

Ireland during the Troubles helps bridge divides through their school project

sharing personal stories.

Beyond the Horizon: A Mexican Tale

● Four friends from Mexico undertake the perilous journey across the border,

driven by hopes for a better future.

Echoes of Hope: The Children of Sarajevo

● Children create an oasis of hope and resistance through education and art during the Siege of Sarajevo.

Gaza Diary: Shadows of Hope

● A young girl in Gaza chronicles her family's daily struggles for survival and

glimpses of hope amidst the cycles of war devastating her community.

The Day the World Changed: 9/11

● Two NYC teenagers find purpose helping their community cope with the

aftermath of 9/11, gaining resilience amidst tragedy.

--------------------------------------------------------------

General Learning Objectives for Deep by Design Stories

Understanding Conflict: The material offers insights into the dynamics of territorial conflicts and their ramifications for those caught in the crossfire.

Effects of War or Conflict on Youth: The content underlines the deep-seated impact of hostilities on the mental and physical health of children and adolescents.

Resilience and Hope: Through character experiences, the narrative highlights the

human capacity for endurance and the quest for collective healing amidst adversity.

Cultural Insight: The text provides a window into the complexities of a region's culture and the intense obstacles its inhabitants endure.

Human Rights: The narrative serves as a primer for dialogues concerning the

safeguarding of civilians and the enforcement of human rights in times of strife.

Peacebuilding: The book promotes an investigation into the adoption of nonviolent strategies for mitigating disputes and fostering reconciliation at the community level.

This story is also available as part of an eight story ebook, "Young Voices: Eight Short Stories of Courage & Resilience."

Set during the Kashmir conflict, "Iqbal and Yasmin: A Story of Childhood in Kashmir" tells the poignant story of two siblings experiencing the harrowing realities of war. Iqbal, an eight-year-old boy, and his sister Yasmin face the loss of innocence as their village is engulfed by violence with Indian and Pakistani forces in constant contention. Yasmin suffers a traumatic assault by a soldier, while Iqbal strives to restore normalcy by organizing cricket games. Their childhood is a stark contrast of fear and a courageous attempt to find joy and unity in a time of despair.

There are thought provoking questions (and possible answers) at the end of the story.

Learning Objectives

Understanding Conflict: The book provides a lens to view the Kashmir conflict and its effects on the local population.

Effects of War on Children: It emphasizes the profound impact of conflict on the mental and physical well-being of young people.

Resilience and Hope: Iqbal's actions illustrate the capacity for resilience and the pursuit of communal healing even in the darkest times.

Cultural Insight: Readers learn about Kashmir's rich culture and the severe challenges its people face.

Human Rights: The story is a gateway to discussions about protecting civilians and upholding human rights during conflict.

Peacebuilding: It encourages the exploration of non-violent methods for conflict resolution and peacebuilding within communities.

This story is also available as part of an eight story ebook, "Young Voices: Eight Short Stories of Courage & Resilience."

In "Beyond the Horizon," a poignant tale unfolds, following the footsteps of Jose and his three close friends as they embark on a journey that will test the bounds of their friendship and the depth of their dreams. Set against the backdrop of their small Mexican town, this 1200-word story invites readers to walk alongside these spirited youths as they navigate the rugged path to a future filled with hope and uncertainty.

The narrative weaves the laughter, fears, and silent strength of this band of brothers, who are determined to chase the opportunities that eluded their ancestors. With the golden dawn of possibilities before them, they face the daunting challenge of crossing the Mexico-U.S. border, carrying not just their aspirations but also the rich cultural heritage of their homeland.

As the four friends confront the harsh realities of their quest, their bond is tested in ways they never imagined. The story captures the essence of human resilience and the unbreakable spirit of those who dare to dream beyond their horizon. Join us in this heartfelt journey that transcends borders and resonates with anyone who has ever reached for the stars.

There are thought provoking questions (and possible answers) at the end of the story.

Learning Objectives:

Understanding Conflict: The material offers insights into the dynamics of territorial conflicts and their ramifications for those caught in the crossfire.

Effects of War or Conflict on Youth: The content underlines the deep-seated impact of hostilities on the mental and physical health of children and adolescents.

Resilience and Hope: Through character experiences, the narrative highlights the human capacity for endurance and the quest for collective healing amidst adversity.

Cultural Insight: The text provides a window into the complexities of a region's culture and the intense obstacles its inhabitants endure.

Human Rights: The narrative serves as a primer for dialogues concerning the safeguarding of civilians and the enforcement of human rights in times of strife.

Peacebuilding: The book promotes an investigation into the adoption of nonviolent strategies for mitigating disputes and fostering reconciliation at the community level.

This story is also available as part of an eight story ebook, "Young Voices: Eight Short Stories of Courage & Resilience."

"Echoes of Hope: The Children of Sarajevo" is an inspiring story of resilience and creativity amidst the devastating siege of Sarajevo. A group of children, led by Luka, Maja, Amir, and Zlata, transform a war-ravaged hideout into "The Nook," a sanctuary of learning, art, and music. They preserve the city’s spirit through storytelling, makeshift classes, and concerts, becoming a symbol of hope. Post-siege, "The Nook" evolves into a community center, its mural a poignant reminder of courage. The children, now adults, impart lessons of unity and creativity to future generations, showcasing the enduring power of the human spirit.

There are thought provoking questions (and suggested answers) at the end of the story.

General Learning Objectives for Deep by Design stories:

Understanding Conflict: The material offers insights into the dynamics of territorial conflicts and their ramifications for those caught in the crossfire.

Effects of War or Conflict on Youth: The content underlines the deep-seated impact of hostilities on the mental and physical health of children and adolescents.

Resilience and Hope: Through character experiences, the narrative highlights the human capacity for endurance and the quest for collective healing amidst adversity.

Cultural Insight: The text provides a window into the complexities of a region's culture and the intense obstacles its inhabitants endure.

Human Rights: The narrative serves as a primer for dialogues concerning the safeguarding of civilians and the enforcement of human rights in times of strife.

Peacebuilding: The book promotes an investigation into the adoption of nonviolent strategies for mitigating disputes and fostering reconciliation at the community level.

This story is also available as part of an eight story ebook, "Young Voices: Eight Short Stories of Courage & Resilience."

Amid the Russo-Ukrainian conflict, young girls Mykhala and Daniela, refugees, bond over a shared vision of a peaceful Donbas. Inspired by Mykhala's love for birds and Daniela's artistry, they create a bird sanctuary, drawing in various species, notably the Hoopoe, a symbol of peace. Their sanctuary becomes a beacon of hope amidst war, earning local admiration and global recognition. Despite success, they remain committed to their homeland, furthering their education to serve their community. Their enduring friendship and their shared dream leaves a lasting legacy - the thriving Hoopoe Haven of Donbas, a testament to resilience and hope.

There are thought provoking questions (and possible answers) at the end of the story.

Learning Objectives:

Understanding Conflict: The material offers insights into the dynamics of territorial conflicts and their ramifications for those caught in the crossfire.

Effects of War or Conflict on Youth: The content underlines the deep-seated impact of hostilities on the mental and physical health of children and adolescents.

Resilience and Hope: Through character experiences, the narrative highlights the human capacity for endurance and the quest for collective healing amidst adversity.

Cultural Insight: The text provides a window into the complexities of a region's culture and the intense obstacles its inhabitants endure.

Human Rights: The narrative serves as a primer for dialogues concerning the safeguarding of civilians and the enforcement of human rights in times of strife.

Peacebuilding: The book promotes an investigation into the adoption of nonviolent strategies for mitigating disputes and fostering reconciliation at the community level.