Purpose

Starting with their own and their friends’ thoughts about rights allows pupils to gain an understanding of the fundamental principles and articles of the United Nations Convention for the Rights of the Child, UNCRC.

Preparations

Divide your pupils up into pairs and make sure everyone is equipped with materials for taking notes. We are using the "Think Pair Share" method. If you want to go deeper, check out the PPT Presentation Child Rights & Girls’ Rights Introduction in the rights column.

Do it like this

1. Assign the task: What rights do you think children should have? Try to come up with and note down at least ten things that should be natural rights for all children on Earth.
2. In pairs: Let the pupils take it in turns to read the rights they have written down and consider questions such as: Which ones were similar? Was there something your friend came up with that you want on your list?
3. Everyone: Read the shortened version of the UNCRC together in The Globe or here. Discuss the differences and similarities with the rights written down by the participants. Was there anything that no-one thought of? Did anyone come up with a right that is not included in the Convention? Is there anything you think is lacking in the UNCRC? Which rights do you think are hardest to live up to? In what context?