Peace Day

 


International Day of Peace, or Peace Day, is held on 21st September every year. In 2001 the countries of the United Nations adopted the day and declared it a day of global ceasefire and non-violence, and over the years since then it has become more widely known and we have had an increasing number of requests for activities that can be used to mark it with the kids.

International Peace Day 21st September

Why is Peace Day Important?

Everyone on our planet deserves a happy and safe life, but sadly millions of people around the world are suffering because of violence and wars. On International Peace Day every year, we try to make the world a safer and more peaceful place for everyone. 

“There is no way to peace. Peace is the way.” A.J. Muste

“Peace cannot be kept by force. It can only be achieved by understanding.” Albert Einstein

“Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say that I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us and the world will be as one.” John Lennon
 

Ideas for Peace Day

  • Take part in a global minute of silence at noon on Peace Day to share a desire for peace.
  • Sing some songs about peace, or perhaps create your own?
  • Ask the children to draw some pictures representing peace in the playground using coloured chalk.
  • Create a peace collage  - we've got lots of useful printables to get you started below.

Our Peace Day Resources

Below you will find a number of ideas and printables for a range of ages. Representing international symbols of peace, we have included the dove, the crane and the "hippy" peace symbol from the late 60s.

Doves
In addition to the dove resources you see below, we also have a complete dove topic to explore:
Doves

Colourful Kids Writing Paper

Colourful Kids Writing Paper

The cute illustration makes a fun writing paper for any time, but this printable is also especially suitable for writing projects on Martin Luther King Day.

Cupcake Case Dove Collage

Cupcake Case Dove Collage

This pretty dove collage using cupcake cases is quick and easy to make, and relatively mess-free, especially if you use a glue stick.

Dove Fuse Bead Pattern

Dove Fuse Bead Pattern

Print out our dove fuse bead pattern, grab your blue and white beads and a large square peg board, and see if you can copy the design to create this pretty dove. If you leave out the blue background and the branch, you could make a set of these to hang on the christmas tree.

Dove Of Peace Craft

Dove Of Peace Craft

Martin Luther King's message was always one of peace. Try this pretty dove of peace craft as a reminder. This dove is also very pretty hanging from the Christmas Tree!

Dove of Peace Frame

Dove of Peace Frame

Brainstorm what is meant by "peace", what symbols are used for peace, or synonyms, and use this pretty frame to record the results.

Dove of Peace Printable

Dove of Peace Printable

This lovely dove image has simple outlines so that you can, if you want, cut it out for display.

Dove of Peace Writing Frame

Dove of Peace Writing Frame

Perfect for MLK Day or perhaps Peace Day, Christmas or a study of Noah's Ark, this pretty writing frame is suitable for all sorts of writing projects. 3 variations for all ages...

Dove Silhouette

Dove Silhouette

Once the dove template is cut out this is a simple craft that even the youngest children will enjoy. The effect is surprisingly effective and satisfying!

Dove Story Paper

Dove Story Paper

Use our dove story paper for creative writing, retelling a story or perhaps to share wishes for peace. It might be fun for a Noah's Ark story too. We have lined or handwriting lines to choose from.

Doves Scene Story Paper

Doves Scene Story Paper

Doves are known as a symbol of peace and harmony - a great theme for a story or poem perhaps? We have two versions of our story paper to choose from, lined and with handwriting lines. 

Hand Banner

Hand Banner

This hand banner craft makes a good class or family project. Why not make the banner long enough to circle a room so it joins together in a unified circle? Each child can use a different quote and think about its meaning.

International Day of Peace Cloze

International Day of Peace Cloze

Learn about the International Day of Peace by reading the text and filling in the blanks from the word bank on this cloze worksheet.

International Day of Peace Poster

International Day of Peace Poster

This lovely International Day of Peace Poster poster shows children from many countries holding hands around the world, with peace represented by a dove. Perfect for display on Peace Day. Also available as a colouring page.

International Day of Peace Story Paper

International Day of Peace Story Paper

Children can write about Peace Day with this story paper, and colour in the picture too. Two versions available, one lined and one with handwriting lines.

Multi-Coloured Face Poster

Multi-Coloured Face Poster

This Andy Warhol inspired multi-coloured face poster is a great activity for MLK Day or other occasions when you are encourage children to think about different cultures and races

Multi-Coloured Handprint Wreath

Multi-Coloured Handprint Wreath

This multi-coloured handprint banner is perfect for Martin Luther King Day, international events, or any time you are studying different cultures. It makes a good classroom project.

Multicultural Mask

Multicultural Mask

This multicultural mask is a simple and fun way to help children see that they are all the same regardless of skin colour. Have the children look through both sides of the mask and ask if it makes any difference which face they show to how they feel. Perfect for MLK Day.

One World Poster

One World Poster

We made the figures for our One World poster from die cut doll shapes, but you could print out some of our paper dolls. Older children may like to dress the dolls in a range of traditional costumes.

Origami Crane

Origami Crane

The crane is a traditional origami model which has been folded for hundreds of years. The crane stands for long life and good luck, and some people think that if you fold 1000 cranes you will be granted a wish!

Origami Dove

Origami Dove

This origami (or kirigami) dove is easy to fold, but needs a few simple cuts with a pair of scissors. It makes a very pretty decoration for a table or mantelpiece, looks lovely in a mobile, or hanging on a Christmas tree. We have made ours using a semi-transparent handmade paper.

Paper Plate Dove

Paper Plate Dove

Cut and assemble three paper plates into a lovely 3-dimensional flying dove, ready for the kids to hang in the home or classroom.

Peace Acrostic Poem Printable

Peace Acrostic Poem Printable

Children can write a poem using the letters of 'PEACE' to begin each line on one of our four peace acrostic poem printables. They would make a lovely school notice board display.

Peace Boggler Puzzle

Peace Boggler Puzzle

Our peace boggler puzzle asks children not just to find as many words as they can: in order to get bonus points they need to think about and find hidden words on the theme of peace.  

Peace Bookmarks

Peace Bookmarks

These pretty bookmarks with their hippy peace design are sure to be popular, and are of course perfect for Peace Day!

Peace colouring bookmarks

Peace Colouring Page

This "hippy" sign is instantly recognisable as the symbol for peace from the 1970s. Colour the symbol and letters in bright hippy colours!

Peace Cutting Shapes

Peace Cutting Shapes

Our peace cutting shapes are a fun way to involve young children with the International Day of Peace. Older children could use the motives for posters and collages.

Peace Day Colouring Page

Peace Day Colouring Page

Colour in these children from many different colours, holding hands in peace around the world.

Peace Day Letters - Colour

Peace Day Letters - Colour

These bright and colourful large letters spell 'Peace Day' and are perfect for creating an eye-catching Peace Day display...

Peace Day Letters - Outline

Peace Day Letters - Outline

The children can colour in or decorate these large peace day letters themselves, then use them for Peace Day crafts and displays.

Peace Day Letters - Ruled

Peace Day Letters - Ruled

These Peace Day letters are ruled, perfect for writing poems or thoughts about Peace Day. The children can each choose a different letter, then they can be put together for a display.

Peace Day Poster

Peace Day Poster

The image of children from different parts of the world holding hands in peace is an enduring one, and this poster captures it for Peace Day.

Peace Finger Tracing

Peace Finger Tracing

Our peace finger tracing page is a great way to open discussion with young children on the subject of peace. Have children trace the word and then colour the peace logo.

Peace Handwriting Worksheet

Peace Handwriting Worksheet

Our peace handwriting worksheet is perfect for International Peace Day, Martin Luther King Day, Christmas, New Year or to follow up on a school assembly. Children need to trace the guided letters and finish by trying to write the word independently. 

Peace Letters - Colour

Peace Letters - Colour

Print out these large and cheerful coloured letters which spell the word PEACE and use them to brighten up your Peace Day display.

Peace Letters - Outline

Peace Letters - Outline

The kids can have fun with their own designs on these outline letters spelling the word 'PEACE'.

Peace Letters - Pattern

Peace Letters - Pattern

We've put some fun patterns on these printable letters which spell the word PEACE, perfect for Peace Day crafts, projects and displays.

Peace Letters - Ruled

Peace Letters - Ruled

Here's a great way to get the kids writing about Peace Day. Each letter in the word 'PEACE' is ruled, so they can write their own stories, facts or poems. Perfect to create a class display!

Peace Day poster

Peace Poster

Harking right back to the 1960s and 1970s, this "peace" poster is perfect to display for Peace Day - or anytime.

Peace Sign

Peace Sign

Available in black and white or colour, the peace sign is as striking a symbol of peace now as it was in the 1970s. Colour in the black and white version, or use it as a base for collage.

Peace Spelling Jigsaw

Peace Spelling Jigsaw

Help children learn to spell in a fun way this International Peace Day with our peace spelling jigsaw. Print onto card, laminate and cut the jigsaw along the dotted lines. Children need to put the strips in order to complete the picture and spell the word peace.

Peace Word Card

Peace Word Card

This pretty Peace Word card features lots of things that we associated with peace, including a pair of doves. Print, fold in half and send to someone to brighten their day!

Peace Word Colouring Card

Peace Word Colouring Card

This might be the perfect colouring card to send to someone if you've had a little disagreement and wish to make peace with them! Also great for Peace Day...

Peace Word Poster

Peace Word Poster

This very pretty 'Peace' word poster is perfect for Peace Day displays, but you can enjoy looking at it all year round if you like!

Peace Word Search

Peace Word Search

Can children find these 12 peace themed words? Our peace word search is a fun extension activity to a school assembly or International Day of Peace themed lesson. 

Peace Word Story Paper

Peace Word Story Paper

Here's a colouring page and writing project all in one, focussing on the word 'peace'. Use it to write down your thoughts on peace for Peace Day, or for some creative writing.

Peace Word Tracing

Peace Word Tracing

Practice those pencil skills by tracing the letters on our peace word tracing the page and then colouring the peace sign. 

Promoting Peace Worksheet

Promoting Peace Worksheet

This worksheet asks children to think about what they personally can do to help promote peace. They are asked to think about relationships within their families and the local area as well as the whole world.

What Does Peace Mean to Me

What Does Peace Mean to Me

Older children can  this printable to draw or collage an image of what peace means to them, and then write about it below.

Words for Peace

Words for Peace

Brainstorm synonyms for "peace" or use the printable to write down what "peace" means to you. You could also use the frame to write a prayer for peace.

The Peace Bell

Peace Bell at the United Nations, New York City
Peace Bell at the United Nations, New York City. Image by Dragonbite

Outside the United Nations headquarters in New York sits the Peace Bell, protected by a Japanese pagoda. It is rung mid-morning on 21st September, followed by a few moments of silence in which to think about world peace. The bell was given to the United Nations by Japan in 1954 and is cast from coins donated by the delegates attending the 1951 conference of the United Nations, collected for the bell by children.  The inscription on the side of the bell is in Japanese characters and reads "Long live absolute world peace".

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