Book Review Book

I am currently reading (as much as possible with such a heavy work load of reading already) the book, Nurturing the Peacemakers in Our Students.  I think the idea of helping students read, write, and discuss works regarding war is something that is necessary.  I think the subject is extremely relevant given the situation our country finds itself embroiled in at the present.  My one concern is the students who may have family who are involved in war at the current time for whom this subject is just too close and too painful.  I like the author’s idea that teachers should let students know ahead of time that they will be discussing this subject and allow them the chance to participate or not, as they feel most comfortable.  Another good idea is to ask questions when the topic becomes too heated — questions such as, “why is it so difficult to talk about this?”  

Part of the reason for approaching this subject matter with students is to get them to listen to and perhaps even be persuaded to someone else’s point of view.  The book does a really nice job listing practices we can be involved in that will help us experience things from someone else’s point of view.  One of the ideas I liked was that of “setting language aside” and using drawings or sketches to help others see what you see from your position.  The other idea I really liked was using the structure of “nonadversarial argument” where you “argue only for your position, not against other positions.” 

What I have read so far has been interesting, and I think this would make a good book to add to our own libraries.

Darlene