In order to prevent cheating and also to make life more interesting we do
different projects every year. I thought I'd share with you this year's 5
point one as it was my favorite so far. It was "Making the world a better
place". It started after I read an article about a group of religious scouts
who decided to organise a demonstration after learning about the repressive
political situation in North Korea. It's a great article if anyone is
interested and shows how some kids' natural curiosity got them involved in the
world.
The message was that anyone who cares about something can make a difference in
some way. We read the article in class, then compared and contrasted two very
easy poems (would be great for 4 pointers) - see below. Then the kids chose
something that they felt needed "fixing" in the world (Tikun Olam) - they had
to describe the problem; describe any effforts that had been made to help the
situation; present any arguments for not changing the situation (i.e. devil's
advocate) and try to work out why it hadn't been solved yet; and then outline
and document something practical (which they actually must do) in order to
change the situation in addition to plan something else they could do in the
future.
It was a great success. The kids chose a good range of topics from saving the
environment, anorexia, child abuse, poverty to child slavery and got quite
involved in the subjects they chose.
Judi G.
First they came……….(Pastor Martin Niem?ller 1892–1984)
First they came for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up,
because I wasn’t a Communist.
Then they came for the sick, the so-called incurables, and I didn't speak up,
because I wasn't mentally ill.
Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up,
because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn't speak up because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left
to speak up for me
The Power of One
One song can spark a moment,
One flower can wake the dream.
One tree can start a forest,
One bird can herald spring.
One smile begins a friendship,
One handclasp lifts a soul.
One star can guide a ship at sea
One word can frame the goal.
One vote can change a nation,
One sunbeam lights a room.
One candle wipes out darkness,
One laugh will conquer gloom.
One step must start each journey,
One word must start each prayer.
One hope will raise our spirits,
One touch can show you care.
One voice can speak with wisdom,
One heart can know what's true.
One life can make the difference
You see, Its up to you……
