Awhile back we were discussing the lack of time schools spend on important events, like Memorial Day. Last Friday our 5th grade students, after much research and discussion, presented a canidate debate. The kids were all so good and excited. The other students particpated with so much excitement and manners (um other than the one kid flipping off the McCain bus.. oops) Adults could have learned from these kids. The canidates arrived in school buses. Monday we'll have a mock election. Judging by the excitement, I think it's going to be a close race!

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Charlotte

AWESOME.

now THAT'S the kind of politics I could get into...would really love to see that debate...

reminds me of the Mount Vernon school district. Have two grand nephews and one grand niece who attended elementary school there...EVERY year they CELEBRATE Veterans Day...they study all the services...papers, plays, and pride, oh my...the BEST part is that they invite vets from the community to attend an event ending celebration.

one year it was my step dad, uncle, and brother in law (2 wwII vets and an air force mechanic). I spoke to each, they each downplayed the experience..."liar, liar, pants on fire " gentlemen..I read your eyes...they were DELIGHTED, as well they should be...

kids!...give 'em a chance...they get it...

Best,

Jon

THIS is WHAT we need to get back into our schools. Charlotte can you come down to Texas and teach here? Our kids need more of this.

I'm doing a 2009 calendar (I do one -usually humorous each year) and this year I'm doing it on "trivia" or "why". I've been doing some research on "why" we celebrate certain holidays and it's fascinating.

"Flag Day" is one that's almost lost to the US. It's a holiday, but people don't even know why anymore. They've lost the knowledge of flag protocol (a lot of people don't even know the Pledge).

"Memorial Day" is another one - it's lost its meaning to most Americans. It's not a day for a cookout, but to HONOR our military who've given their LIVES for our FREEDOM.

All this needs to be taught in schools today (the kids parents sure don't know it). Our kids are our future. I compliment you on this project and hope my guy wins. :)

Hugs BD

I can't take credit for starting this. Debbie Wilkins is a 5th grade teacher. She is incredible and does an equally impressive Veteran's day program. She was our counties teacher of the year and one of 8 finalists for the Maryland Teacher of the Year. I helped witht the signs but the kids did most on their own. The music teacher did some patriotic songs. I teach everyone in this school art, that's why they are my kids. What impressed me was the audience as well. The kids really listened tot he speeches and didn't talk in the assembly. It's obvious parental influence is there because the kids really seem to know what's going on. Sure, in the beginning it was a race issue. The black kids picked Obama and the white kids picked McCain but that started to change. I'll have to post tomorrow on who the winner is!!

Your project sounds really good Barbara. I taught preschool  last summer and we did a day for 4th of July. I cut more stars the night before than I can remember. We do these Hoildays with the younger ones but something happens later down the road and it's pushed aside.

Charlotte

Thanks for showing this to us, Charlotte.   :)  It sounds like a wonderful program, and I can think of nothing that will so engage children in the political process.  Very cool.

Like it or not, politics is the living heart of a representative form of government, and without the political process and the interest and enthusiasm of the people, we wither and die.

El tells me that the mock election at her high school produced some lopsided results.  You'd have to understand the overwhelming demographic of north Boise--but suffice it to say that the vote tallies were pretty one-sided.   ;)

Poor El.  She's going to miss being able to participate in the actual general election by 12 days, and it's just flat killing her.   :-/

Best,

George

Charlotte, I've just got to tell you this one. I just read in a local paper where one of the private schools is doing a "mock" election. But they're doing it with a "twist".

They've put up two candidates: Kit-Kat and Almond Joy! Yep two candy bars. They're having debates, campaign ads, signs, the whole bit -- (this is for 6-7 year olds). The election is tomorrow. I'm really pushing for Almond Joy - cause sometimes you just feel like a nut.... :)

I just thought this was priceless.....

Hugs BD

How cute! I'm voting for Almond Joy too!

George, I think our school is so balanced that it will come out equal. We house a gifted and talented program that is predominatly white and makes up about 55% of the student body. The other half is about 75% african american, low income and many learning disabilities.

Charlotte

OK the votes are in! My students voted 63% Obama to 27% McCain. I wonder how close the real election will be! It was a landslide at our school. Last time we did this 4 years ago, Bush squeeked by.

Charlotte

A wonderful thing Charlotte.

Thanks.

Charlie

I think this is great -- wish more schools would do it.

Hugs BD