Disagreements are part of everyday school life, but how students respond to different opinions can shape the atmosphere of an entire classroom. The International Day for Tolerance, observed every November 16, gives teachers an opportunity to address this subject through practical discussions, creative exercises, and collaboration with students from other schools.

Rather than asking young people simply to agree with one another, the activities encourage them to listen carefully, question assumptions, and understand experiences different from their own.

Why November 16 Is Important

The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the International Day for Tolerance in 1996, following the adoption of the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance by UNESCO Member States on November 16, 1995. The declaration describes tolerance as respect, acceptance, and appreciation of the diversity of human cultures and ways of expression.

Tolerance does not mean that everyone must hold the same opinions. It means recognising differences without treating other people unfairly. The declaration also identifies education as an important way to prevent intolerance, making schools a natural place to introduce the subject.

Three Activities for a Single Lesson

Teachers can choose from three classroom activities depending on their students' ages and learning needs. Before starting, the class should agree on two or three discussion rules, such as listening until someone finishes, asking questions before making judgments, and discussing ideas rather than attacking people.

1. Make a Same-and-Different Web

Designed for students aged 6–12, this activity takes approximately 30 minutes and requires paper and coloured pencils. Each student draws themselves in the centre of a page and adds four personal details. Examples include a favourite food, a game, a language they know, or a place they enjoy. Students then work in pairs to identify two things they have in common and one difference. Afterwards, each student shares something new they learned about their partner.

2. Spot the Stereotype

For students aged 10–15, this approximately 35-minute activity uses three or four examples selected by the teacher. Materials might include pictures from books, advertisements, or headlines that present a particular group in an overly simple or one-sided way.

Students work in groups to discuss what each example shows, what information it leaves out, and how it could be changed to present people more fairly. Teachers can finish by asking two reflective questions: Do I stereotype people? Do I reject those who are different from me?

Students may answer privately in writing. Examples should never target someone in the classroom, and teachers should address hurtful comments if they arise. The aim is to help students recognise unfair generalisations and suggest more balanced descriptions.

3. Plan a Respectful Interview

Suitable for students aged 13–18, this activity takes around 40 minutes and requires paper or a shared document. Students choose an everyday subject, such as school, food, celebrations, or what respect means at home. They prepare five open-ended questions designed to understand another person's perspective. Before using the questions, partners review whether they are respectful, genuinely open, and free from assumptions.

Two Four-Week Projects for Deeper Learning

For classrooms interested in continuing beyond one lesson, two collaborative projects provide opportunities to work with international partners.

Embracing Diversity: Building a Tolerant School Community

This project is designed for age groups 6–8, 9–12, and 13–15. The activities include icebreakers, reading materials, a song about tolerance, and paper prototypes. Working with another classroom allows students to compare challenges in their respective schools.

Embracing Diversity: Building a Tolerant School Community

This project is designed for age groups 6–8, 9–12, and 13–15. The activities include icebreakers, reading materials, a song about tolerance, and paper prototypes. Working with another classroom allows students to compare challenges in their respective schools.

Tolerance Talks: Global Teen Podcast Challenge

Designed for students aged 13–15, 16–18, and 18+. Students select an issue connected to tolerance, diversity, or inclusion, interview people, and produce podcast episodes that raise awareness and suggest solutions. Before recording begins, partner teachers should agree on who can be interviewed, how recordings will be stored, and where the finished episodes may be shared.

The International Day for Tolerance offers more than an opportunity to talk about respecting differences. Whether through a short exercise or a four-week international collaboration, the experience can help young people build habits of communication, empathy, and cooperation that are useful well beyond November 16.