Beyond Walls

BEYOND WALLS is a program created to increase children’s understanding of social responsibility and cultural diversity. The curriculum is designed to deepen the commitment to the values of compassion, personal responsibility, dignity, and respect for others, underscoring how these principles connect us all globally. Students in grades 4 through 9, a pivotal age in self-exploration and formation of identity, will be exposed to multimedia presentations designed to promote cultural appreciation among members of diverse communities, and elicit an appreciation of commonalities and differences in a global community.

Visit the BEYOND WALLS community website.

BEYOND WALLS will provide thematically focused posters, videos, images, music, and written material. Students will participate in reflective discussions with a forum available online. With guidance from the BEYOND WALLS curriculum, students will become creators of multimedia projects: podcasts, videos, songs, poems, artwork, photographs, and essays–expressing their response to the theme and sharing it with each other and the global online community. Educators will use each theme to encourage and find opportunities for students to become active in their local and extended communities. By promoting exploration of self, BEYOND WALLS encourages young people to seek connections personally, locally, and globally, promoting respect for differing points of view.

There are currently five themes in the BEYOND WALLS curriculum with five more to follow. Each theme is presented in a variety of media including a short movie, an original song, both with and without sample lyrics, a poster, photos, and quotes from various social, artistic and political leaders.

Similariities and Differences

The Power of One

Responsibility to the Earth

Community

Conflict Resolution