Violence: Dealing With Anger

Aimed at grades 4-6, this skit-filled guide to dealing with the emotion of anger features aikido instructor Thomas Crum cautioning kids to use the BLT (Breathe, Talk, Listen) approach to potentially violent situations. To illustrate each of the principles, a dramatic scene first shows an antagonistic situation being resolved with one kid playing bongo on the other kid's head, and then again using one of the principles. In reality, these non-aggressive resolutions, however, range from the possible to sounding like a Care Bear epigram. Although the intentions here are good, the so-so effectiveness and slightly washed-out looking video add up to an optional purchase--especially considering the price. Elementary school teachers might want to use this as a discussion starter (and can expect some hoots from the kids). (R. Pitman)