Lesson Plan - Understanding the Ukraine War: What’s Happening and Why It Matters
Understanding the Ukraine War lesson plan gives you the tools to help your child explore one of the most important global conflicts in recent history. This topic looks at why the war began, who’s involved, and how it affects people in the UK and around the world. It’s designed to support learners of different ages and abilities as they build knowledge and critical thinking skills.
This topic includes major ideas like international relations, politics, geography, and human rights. You don’t need to be an expert yourself — the lesson plan walks through each concept in easy steps with structured discussion and activities. You’ll be able to support your child in asking thoughtful questions and seeing real-life connections.
Whether your child is new to the topic or has seen news stories and wants to know more, this is a great place to start. They’ll learn key facts about the Russia-Ukraine conflict, explore what causes wars, and think about peace, fairness, and the role of other countries. It’s a powerful chance to help your child understand what’s happening in the world — and why it matters.
This topic is part of our Info Zone collection. You can read the full topic, once logged in, here: Understanding the Ukraine War: What’s Happening and Why It Matters
You’ll also find a full Lesson Plan and a handy Parent Q & A sheet, for this topic, ready to use..
Understanding the Ukraine War
This lesson plan is designed to help you support your child with this topic: Understanding the Ukraine War: What’s Happening and Why It Matters
Learning Objectives (What You’ll Learn Today)
- Understand how and why the Ukraine War began
- Explore how the conflict affects people worldwide
- Learn about Russia, Ukraine, and NATO’s roles
- Think about peace, propaganda, and global responses
Estimated Time
45–60 minutes
Let’s Get Started
Ask your child: “Why do you think countries sometimes go to war? Can you think of a peaceful way to solve a disagreement?”
The Main Lesson
1. Where is Ukraine?
Start with the basics. Ukraine is a large country in Eastern Europe, just west of Russia. It borders countries like Poland, Romania, and Hungary. Its capital city is Kyiv, and it has a long history of being ruled by other nations — including Russia.
After the Soviet Union broke apart in 1991, Ukraine became independent. That decision set the stage for future disagreements between Ukraine and Russia.
Mini-Task: Find Ukraine on a world map. Can you name any countries that share its borders?2. What Caused the Ukraine War?
The Ukraine War started in 2014 when Russia took over Crimea. That part of Ukraine had a lot of Russian-speaking people, and Russia claimed it was protecting them. But many saw it as illegal. Fighting soon began in Eastern Ukraine, and it got worse in 2022 when Russia launched a full invasion.
This is called the Russia-Ukraine conflict. It’s not just about land — it’s also about power, identity, and politics. Ukraine wants to choose its own future. Russia wants to stop Ukraine from joining groups like NATO.
Mini-Task: Write down three reasons the war started. Which one do you think is most important?3. Who Is Involved?
The main countries involved are Ukraine and Russia. But many others play a role. The UK, US, and members of the European Union have supported Ukraine with supplies and money. Russia has faced penalties called sanctions — limits on trade and travel.
NATO is also part of the story. It’s a group of countries that defend each other. Russia does not want Ukraine to join NATO, which helped trigger the conflict. The war in Ukraine is also called the Eastern European war because of where it’s happening.
Mini-Task: Research one country helping Ukraine. What kind of support are they offering?4. How Does the War Affect the World?
This war doesn’t just affect Ukraine. Food and fuel prices have gone up around the world. Why? Because Ukraine grows wheat and Russia provides gas. When trade stops, other countries feel the effects too.
It also affects politics and peace. If countries can attack others without punishment, the whole world becomes less safe. That’s why many leaders are watching this conflict closely.
Mini-Task: Can you think of a way the war might affect your daily life?5. What Can Be Done?
Some people hope the war will end through peace talks. Others think a ceasefire — a pause in fighting — might come first. Both sides would have to agree. It’s not easy.
You can help by learning the facts, avoiding fake news, and showing kindness to refugees. Small actions make a big difference. And understanding the Ukraine War helps you take part in global conversations with confidence.
Mini-Task: Write down two peaceful ways people or leaders could help end a war.Think and Discuss
- Why do you think Russia doesn’t want Ukraine to join NATO?
- How do you think war changes the lives of children?
- What would you do if you had to leave your home suddenly?
Wrap-Up Summary
Understanding the Ukraine War helps us think about fairness, freedom, and how we treat others — even in tough situations. Every country is part of a bigger world, and we all have a role in supporting peace.
Quiz
- What year did Russia invade Crimea? a) 2008 b) 2014 c) 2022
- What does NATO stand for? a) National Army Treaty Organisation b) North Atlantic Treaty Organisation c) New Alliance Treaty Operation
- True or False: Ukraine is currently part of NATO.
- What is one reason Russia gave for starting the war?
- Which part of Ukraine did Russia take first?
- How has the war affected food prices?
- What are sanctions?
- True or False: Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union before 1991.
- Which countries are helping Ukraine?
- What does a ceasefire mean?
Answers
- b) 2014
- b) North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
- False
- To protect Russian speakers / Stop NATO expansion
- Crimea
- They’ve gone up
- Penalties or restrictions used to punish a country
- True
- UK, USA, EU countries
- A pause in fighting
Short Essay Prompt
Write a short essay explaining why the Ukraine War started, who is involved, and how it affects people around the world. Use facts and your own ideas.
Extra Learning
Create a peace poster or write a letter imagining you’re a world leader trying to end the Ukraine War. What would you say to both sides?
Final Reflection (What Did You Learn?)
Ask your child: “What surprised you most about the Ukraine War? Has this changed the way you think about conflict or peace?”