Activity Assemblies to Promote Peace

Elizabeth Peirce

Rating:

The author cites several reasons for wanting to publish a book of peace assemblies, including daily news bulletins informing us of the lack of peace; the need for children to learn peaceful strategies for themselves; and the need for children to learn to love themselves before they can love others.

The book is written in eight parts, each containing six or seven assemblies. Headings include: ‘Peace Starts With Me’, ‘Children’s Writings About Peace’, ‘Some People of Peace’ and ‘War and Peace Stories’. Each assembly has an indication of age suitability: 5-7, 5-11 or 7-11 and each is spread over approximately four pages. Assemblies include stories or Bible passages, and any music or illustrations needed.

Although I admire what the author is trying to achieve, I do not think many teachers will have the time to set up all the aids required. Many of the assemblies involve drama that requires rehearsal prior to performance.

An example of an Easter story is ‘The Paradise Garden’; this is to help children understand the Christian view of life after death. There is an imaginary tale of a selfish giant (adapted from Oscar Wilde), a young boy and a crucified man. Lots of props are needed and the children have to mime the story as it is told. The teacher then draws the threads together to explain how people try to change their behaviour when they meet Jesus and go to Paradise after death.

Teachers looking for exciting interactive class assemblies may well find Activity Assemblies to Promote Peace useful. But anyone wanting quick and easy off-the-peg last-minute assemblies requiring minimal preparation should look elsewhere.

Reviewer: Yvonne Werrett, Supply Teacher (former RE Co-ordinator), Shoeburyness, Essex

Review posted on: 26 September 2008

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