RACINE - Five middle schoolers sat around a table at the Racine Montessori School last week deep in conversation.

They weren't talking about typical teenage things like the latest movie or going to the mall later, though. They were discussing child labor and animal rights.

Serious discussions like these are part of the Racine Montessori School's new adolescent peace program, which is supported by grant materials awarded to only 10 Montessori schools across the country.

School officials applied for the grant in May, found out they were selected in July and began putting the peace materials in the classroom this fall, said Rita Lewis, administrator for the school at 2317 Howe St.

"The whole idea behind this is that the only way the world is going to be peaceful is if we let children become more peaceful and understand the needs of other people," Lewis said. "It's to create a feeling of empathy and understanding."

That is done in part by weekly discussions where students define an issue, its sides and possible solutions.

Last week they discussed how child labor can create unfair working conditions just so some countries can make more money. They also talked about how child labor is different in other countries where there may be different laws than in the U.S.

"It's nice for them to be able to express their opinions," said Carrie Gayle, Racine Montessori School adolescent teacher. "There's no research beforehand; it's just what they know."

If what students know is wrong or needs more explaining, Gayle is there to guide the discussion, which helps students see issues from both global and U.S. perspectives, she said.

"They're very self-centered at this age," Lewis said. "We want to broaden that for them. We want them to look beyond themselves."

Discussion topics are provided in part by the peace program grant, which also gave the school a binder filled with articles about war, peace and social justice happenings around the world from poverty and gender bias to hunger and prejudice; teaching guides; and a book of inspirational quotes.

Some of the quotes include "I will define my character" and "I choose to see and appreciate everything and everyone I encounter each day."

The students use the quotes and articles for weekly journal assignments.

"It makes you think about who you are and good things about you," said Aliliywa Mbise, a 12-year-old seventh-grader, adding that the journals help build confidence and self-esteem.

Marco Malacara, a 12-year-old seventh-grader, agreed, saying he had written about the quote, "I'm stronger than I realize."

Both students said they like the journaling but enjoy discussions even more because they can learn different opinions and develop better understandings of world issues, like the plight of child soldiers.

"I didn't know how bad it was and how they treat them," Aliliywa said. "I feel bad for all those kids who have to go through that, but it's a big thing so it's hard to stop it."

Because the peace program is part of a study, Gayle will track her students and evaluate the materials and learning through surveys, Lewis said.

"The plan would be to (then) implement it in more Montessori schools initially and, if it's successful, then maybe others," Lewis said. "I think it should be in every school because all it is is being aware of people's situations and how people have to deal with difficult situations."