I am sure many have seen this video floating around every where, but for those of you who have not it is worth the watch.
{re-wind two days before spring break}
My 8th graders were done learning all they needed for quarter three. I still needed to find something "educational" for them to accomplish in those days and I did not want to start anything new. Since I am not one to throw a party/fun day of any kind in my classroom; I needed to find something for them to do.
// reason #11 why I would never make it as an elemntary teacher\\
I began seeing this Kony video all over my wall on facebook and watched it Wednesday morning; which sparked an idea of what to do with my 8th graders.
I decided to show them the movie
//a tad bit risky\\
Prior to the video they created a KWL chart about Africa
then we discussed WWII and who was the main "villain"
which lead to talking about other "villains" that have been around
Suddam Hussein
Osama Bin Laden
I asked them if there are any other "villains" today
first group of 8th graders said: no
second group of 8th graders said: Kony
Lastly, I asked them if they knew what injustice was and if they could give me an example of injustice.
I briefed them on what would be in the video and screened some of the images.
Afterwards we skimmed the letter from President Obama and they wrote a letter to a person in power. Their letters were powerful and very moving.
A few students who had their Itouches on them downloaded the LRA tracker
I believe this is an important issue and would be silly not to discuss in the classroom with caution. Older students are bound to watch this video; so why not discuss the situation in the classroom. I am not going to ignore what is happenig in the world. My job is to educate and open students up to new ideas. This video allowed me to do so.