Global Warming?

Hello,

I wanted the kids to understand why we talked about global warming yesterday.  I didn't feel the need to espouse my views.  It isn't in our curriculum to talk about the temperature of the planet and the pros and cons of that changing.  I brought it up because it helps me get my main point across: Think for yourself.  There are two sides to the argument.  Both will try to convince you of their point of view.  Please don't blindly follow. 

We talked food stamps today.  I know that is the old way of saying governmental assistance or welfare.  Again, it wasn't to make sure they knew where I stand on the issue.  It was to bring up another topic with opposing sides with staunchly opposing viewpoints.  It was timely, considering our governor's latest proposal, but the point remained: Think for yourself.  Make up your own mind.  Weigh evidence.  Consider the source.  Form your own opinion.  All good lessons, I think.  And while real world problems are quite a contrast to the fairy tales that we have been reading, I think the common thread between them is that poorly thought out decisions generally lead to unfortunate consequences.  We need to be a nation of thinkers.  I hope to help them on this path. 

Tonight's homework was about making our world a better place.  I asked them to write about something that they plan on doing over the vacation for someone less fortunate than them.  Some need to formulate the plan first.  You can help with this.  I told them that it is easy to look around and see who has more money, who wears nicer stuff, who has cooler toys.  It is easy to say "They are lucky."  The fact is that everyone in our class this afternoon has many, many things to be thankful for: health, food, clothing, shelter, friends, people who care about them, an education that is there for the taking, etc.  With that in mind, I'd like to see them do something generous for someone.  And I like that it doesn't necessarily have to be random or spontaneous, although those are great too.  I want to see them plan something nice for someone and then carry it out.  Not to get a gift or receive praise, but because they can. 

Let's see where that takes us.

Three toed sloth and the eagle made the final four today. 

I've got a basketball game so I'm off.

Thanks for reading.

Mr. Shea