Klein Atwood's students have been studying 64 principals of nonviolence since the first day of school. Through a curriculum Klein Atwood created, her students have learned about promoters of peace such as Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Ghandi, and Albert Einstein as well as acceptance, respect and freedom -- all while studying reading, writing, art and math.

The students' work culminated in an open house at Dimond Library on Jan. 6. Each child wrote a short essay about a different principal of nonviolence, which will be on display through the end of the month. They also sang and danced for the audience.

Allendale students are "very aware of the violence in Oakland," Klein Atwood said, and she strives to address their concerns.

The presentation "was kind of embarrassing," said 8-year-old Joseph Pham, "But it was worth it because it showed nonviolence. I just don't want people killing people."

Atwood Klein's lessons have included writing poetry, creating clay sculptures, reading "Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry," -- a book about slavery, segregation and racism. Students also watched a "Sylvester and Tweety" cartoon.

"I wanted them to know when they are looking at violence," Klein Atwood said. "We talked about the music and the colors, and the way the characters treated each other.

"I think the (writing) was the best thing we did," said 8-year-old Amina Tshamanga. "If people missed our show they can still go to the library and read our papers."

Klein Atwood said she was able to create this curriculum through a grant from the National Council for the Social Studies. Her copies are available to all teachers.

For more information e-mail Klein Atwood at mysticmadre@yahoo.com