Children can handle harrowing topics, but war, which strikes home so powerfully in these images of lost children, demands great sensitivity.

War

Why do people go to war? What is the impact? Think of a war or battle pupils have studied - the two world wars, the Romans, the Normans. Was it about territory? Quarrels between vain or irascible leaders? Acquiring possessions, such as gold, treasure, food slaves? Religious or political beliefs? Several of these? What about other violent conflicts, such as civil war, guerrilla warfare, or piracy?

Rwanda

The Rwandan conflict was one of the most terrible in recent times. Find Rwanda on the map. Why did it happen? (long-standing quarrel between aristocratic Tutsi (10 per cent of population) and poorer Hutu (90 per cent); Hutu took land from Tutsi in 1962; following massacres of Tutsis, Tutsi-led Rwandan Patriotic Front seized power in 1994; many deaths and possibly two million refugees, mainly Hutu, fleeing to Zaire).

Helping others

Can we help relieve suffering? (charity work, provision of food, medicine, clothing). Tell the class about the photographers Seamus Conlan and Tara Farrell, whose photos reunited many families. Should we give cash to Oxfam, Live Aid, Comic Relief?

Writingdrama

Write or improvise a story about a family being reunited after finding a picture of their lost child pinned to a tree.

Ted Wragg is professor of education at Exeter University