Providing space for children to discuss what’s going on is important, and P4C is a great way to do this. Last week, I wanted to give children an opportunity for dialogue about the war in Ukraine – a difficult subject, considering the level of tragedy and fear involved. I decided to spend some time searching for a stimulus that represented the situation, without being too harrowing.
I settled on the following images of people fleeing the conflict with their pets:
The images proved to be an engaging stimulus and one that pupils could explore in several directions. For example, relationships with pets (Why do animals give us comfort?) or differences between animals and humans (Are animals as important as humans? What about in times of crisis?)
All the classes I worked with did want to talk about the war in Ukraine specifically. Here are some extracts of what they said:
Year 6 (age 10-11)
Agreed question: Is it ever okay to be in a war?
You have to defend and fight for your country.
It depends who you are fighting against. You have to think carefully.
If you just surrendered nothing that bad would happen. But if you keep fighting, other countries might join in and it could get really bad. Surrender is an option.
I disagree, I think you should fight until there’s a winner.
But, if you fight back everything will be wrecked. Maybe surrender is a good idea.
I agree but only to a certain point. I think surrender is a valid option but so is negotiation. In war, negotiation is always an option.
Year 5 (age 9-10)
Agreed question: Would you rather help the animals or go to fight?
We shouldn’t fight. We’re not involved in the war yet.
But you could go to help the animals and the people.
It’s too risky. You’re risking your own life.
But you’d be holding off the Russians. You’d be giving Ukraine a better chance.
I’m not sure – I would feel bad for the people but it would be dangerous. If you go to join in, it could cause Russia to attack here.
I would go. I would risk my life.
I disagree. It’s not a good idea. If you go and be a soldier you’d be a target. You’ll die.
I agree because I wouldn’t want to die. I have better things to do. I know it sounds cruel but this war is nothing to do with me. Or my family. You can be upset but you don’t need to do anything. I’ve got a great family. I’m too young to die. I have goals.
My thoughts go out to all affected in any way by the conflict.
