Children playing war…

Wednesday, December 24th, 2008

Yesterday morning, Little Brother (7 and 3/4) exercised a relatively new freedom and went to the shops without adult supervision to buy his brother’s Christmas present. Older Brother (10) went along too, to “help” – so no surprises then! Even when Little Brother told me with a sheepish grin that I wouldn’t like what he’d bought, the alarm bells didn’t really ring – so it was only last night, when unpacking at my parents’ house, that I discovered The Present: a “Western Rider cowboy gun” with firing sound. The conversation that ensued was difficult for both of us – I hated to undermine his independance and he was so excited about giving Older Brother something he wanted. I have convinced him that we will find something else in town this morning that will be more than equally appreciated. We still need to talk things through with Older Brother, however…

I have just re-read author Kathy Beckwith’s recent Personal View for PaperTigers: “Helping Kids See that War is Not a Game”; and I’ve followed her link to her page on the Tilbury website, with further ideas and resources for helping our children make their own decision about playing war. I’m more determined than ever to get hold of her picture-book Playing War, which hasn’t been published (yet?) in the UK – I wish I had it by me now!

In the meantime, it would be great to hear what your views are on this, and about any other books you have found invaluable in helping kids realise that war is indeed not a game.

Posted by: Marjorie | 1 Comment » | Tags: , , , ,

The Tiger's Choice: Talking about Heroes

Monday, November 24th, 2008

Heroes is a book with so much to offer on so many different levels. In a few pages it addresses racial stereotypes, war, aggressive behavior that can lead to violence, positive ways to channel aggression, and peace as an easy ideal but a difficult practice. And it does all of that in a story that is compelling and real, with illustrations that are almost cinematic in the way that they add life to Ken Mochizuki’s words.

As Aline has commented, “There are many aspects to this book, but the one I’d like to focus on, for the purpose of this comment, is how the kids in “Heroes” come to the conclusion that there are better ways to play, on their own (as it happens with the children in Kathy Beckwith’s “Playing War,” featured on the website this month). Donnie’s father and uncle never preach, never chastise the kids who are chasing Donnie. But by showing up at school in their US military uniforms with a football in their hands, they expose Donnie’s friends’ misconceptions and teach them a very important lesson: perception isn’t always reality… The last line of the story tells young readers all they need to know: ‘So we ran off to the playground. This time they were following me instead of chasing me.’ Perhaps it’s no coincidence that both “Heroes” and “Playing War” present sports as a natural alternative to war play.” (more…)

Posted by: Janet | No Comments » | Tags: , , , , , ,