Elementary Curriculum – Grade Level K-5

Pennies for Peace is a service-learning program of Central Asia Institute, a nonprofit organization that works with communities in remote areas of Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Tajikistan to promote education, especially for girls. Together we can cultivate peace, nurture hope, and change the world—one child at a time.

The purpose of this curriculum is to help educate students about the world outside their own experiences and show them that they can make a positive impact on a global scale. The curriculum provides educators with lesson plans, activities, and supporting resources to facilitate authentic learning opportunities for students participating in Pennies for Peace.

Although you can begin your Pennies for Peace campaign at any time, you might consider using this curriculum in conjunction with one of UNESCO’s designated days of commemoration, such as September 21—International Day of Peace; January 18—National Day of Service; or May 21—World Day for Cultural Diversity.

The lessons cover themes such as the power of education, the effects of extreme poverty, cultural understanding, geography, and our responsibilities as global citizens.

The elementary curriculum consists of four lessons based on themes central to Pennies for Peace. For teachers using the picture book Listen to the Wind, we have also included a study guide and one lesson plan aligned to the book.

The curriculum is designed to be used in part or in whole, and we encourage you to preview the lessons and decide which will be most impactful for your students. When you’re done, be sure to tell us about your project!

We’d love to see samples of your students’ artwork or writing. Send photos and/or descriptions to info@penniesforpeace.org.

Thank you and have fun! One Penny. A World of Change.