Introduce the book and your goals for studying it, and briefly outline the issues the book explores. Tell students that issues-based study raises varied opinions, and that, as a class, you will set some ground rules for maintaining a respectful and safe classroom atmosphere for discussing personal views and beliefs. Ask the class to collaborate to create a list of expectations, such as “We’ll respect one another’s privacy,” “We’ll listen to one another” and “We won’t insult one another.” Post the list and revisit it periodically to allow students to make observations and air problems.
