Primary and Intermediate Classroom Activities

This activity uses information cards to stimulate interest in human rights heroes, while addressing political repression, human rights activists in the twentieth century and the struggle for rights in various countries. This activity promotes respect, responsibility and curiosity about human rights. (Part of the Compass HRE manual)

(Download as PDF 409KB)

This simulation of a group of journalists working to get the front page of their paper ready to go to press explores bias, stereotyping and objectivity in the media and images as well as  the role of media in addressing human rights issues. (Part of the Compass HRE manual)

(Download as PDF 163KB)

This creative activity uses drawing and model building to explore the forces that drive development. Students gain understanding of how local development does or does not meet local people’s needs, how decisions about local development are made and that the outcomes of development are not inevitable. (Part of the Compass HRE manual)

(Download as PDF 133KB)

This easy adaptable activity involves individual, small and whole group work, brainstorming and discussion about heroines and heroes as symbols of socialisation and culture. Stereotyped images of heroines and heroes will be taught and students will reflect on history teaching and look on different perspectives on shared historical events and the heroes and heroines associated with them. (Part of the Compass HRE manual)

(Download as PDF 140KB)

This activity combining knowledge and creative composition explores issues about the consequences of poverty and the opportunities in life, which are denied to the poor. Students reflect on both the lack of opportunities poor people have, and the difficulties they face in taking those which are presented. Thus, they understand the cycle of poverty and can promote social justice, human dignity and responsibility.

(Download as PDF 209KB)

In this activity, people have to be quick and inventive to talk for one minute on the relationship between sports and human rights. Students understand how all human rights issues are interconnected and indivisible whilst developing self-confidence to express personal opinions. (Part of the Compass HRE manual)

(Download as PDF 141KB)

This activity addresses issues and rights related to sexuality, including homosexuality and aims to develop self-confidence to express one’s own opinion on these issues and to promote tolerance and empathy. (Part of the Compass HRE manual)

(Download as PDF 165KB)

In this exercise small groups discuss issues around what education is and how it meets, or does not meet, people’s needs. Participation in decision-making processes will be discussed. (Part of the Compass HRE manual)

(Download as PDF 138KB)

This activity starts with a quiz on proverbs and wise sayings that reflect different aspects of being at peace, and goes on to let participants reflect on the meaning of peace develop peaceful behaviour. (Part of the Compass HRE manual)

(Download as PDF 322KB)

This high level activity involves small group work, role-play, discussion and consensus building about the sustainable use of marine resources, the rights of indigenous peoples to their culture and development and explores the conflicts between the right to development and cultural life and protection of the environment. (Part of the Compass HRE Handbook Manual)

(Download as PDF 270KB)