Teaching materials for Cycle II

A learning activity to introduce children’s rights: Pupils explore the distinction between things that are necessary for survival, those that contribute to a good quality of life, and those that fulfil individual wishes. Building on this, they examine selected children’s rights and categorise them under the headings ‘Protection’, ‘promotion’ and ‘participation’. Finally, the focus is on applying this knowledge to everyday life: pupils recognise children’s rights in everyday situations and reflect on their significance for their own lives and for living together with others.

Children and young people have the right to play, leisure and rest (Art. 31 CRC). Play enables children and young people to discover the world, be creative and develop important social and personal skills. Children’s rights such as the right to development (Art. 6), participation (Art. 12), protection (Art. 19), education (Arts. 28 and 29) and rest and leisure (Art. 31) are central to this. The teaching materials promote an understanding of the importance of free play and leisure time for development, creativity and social learning.

Children and young people have the right to equality and protection from discrimination (Art. 2 of the CRC). Children’s rights such as non-discrimination (Art. 2), equal treatment, participation (Art. 12), education (Arts. 28 and 29) and development (Art. 6) ensure fair opportunities for all. The teaching materials encourage pupils to reflect on justice, diversity and social inequalities, and to foster respectful coexistence.

Children and young people have the right to health and to conditions that promote their physical, mental and social well-being (Art. 24 CRC). Children’s rights, such as the right to development (Art. 6), protection (Art. 19), health (Art. 24) and an adequate standard of living (Art. 27), play a crucial role in this. The teaching materials help pupils to understand health in a holistic way and to reflect on the links between lifestyle, environment and well-being.

Children and young people have the right to mental health and should be supported in their wellbeing and development. Children’s rights such as the right to development (Art. 6), participation (Art. 12), protection (Art. 19), health (Art. 24), education (Art. 28/29) and play and leisure (Art. 31) play a crucial role in this. The teaching materials help pupils to understand their emotions, manage stress and build their resilience. At the same time, they promote open dialogue and a respectful environment in everyday school life.

The teaching materials promote an understanding of children’s rights as the foundation for democratic participation. Pupils explore the concepts of co-determination, forming opinions and joint decision-making, and reflect on their own opportunities for participation within the school and wider community. The activities are based on key children’s rights such as non-discrimination (Art. 2), participation (Art. 12), freedom of expression (Art. 13), freedom of thought and religion (Art. 14), freedom of assembly (Art. 15), the protection and promotion of children with disabilities (Art. 23), as well as cultural rights and leisure (Art. 30/31).

Children and young people are particularly hard hit by climate change and environmental degradation, even though they contribute very little to these problems. The teaching materials address these issues and encourage pupils to reflect on their own behaviour, understand global interconnections and develop ways of taking action. The focus is on children’s right to a clean, green, healthy and sustainable environment (Art. 24).