We provide information and platforms for discussions and the kids take from it what they will. We, as adults, see the values and the morals and hope for outcomes. What never ceases to amaze are the elements, unseen or unexpected, that our kids bring. This month’s Teaching Tolerance theme, Social Justice, provided us the opportunity to see through the eyes of our students. And, more often than not, we were humbled and hopeful. From Kindergarten to 8th grade, we are witnessing higher emotional reasoning skills than might be expected.
Kindergarten read Fly Away Peter, a classic from the 1960’s, about celebrating differences. The follow up discussion brought tears to Miss Harmon’s eyes with the depth of acceptance and understanding. These littles truly celebrate each other for their differences.
Both 1st and 7th grade studied Cesar Chavez and the work he did to fight for the rights of migrant workers. An important distinction was made about fairness. Having what you need as opposed to what you want. On this same theme of equity vs. equality, the 4th grade heard the story about the 3 people watching a baseball game over a fence. They were all different heights and needed a boost to see the game. They each get a crate of the same size - to make it fair. The tall person was well over the fence with the help of the crate. The middle sized person was just right on the crate, while the shortest one was still staring directly at the fence. What happens if, instead of making the crates equal sized, they each got the crate they needed to see just over the fence? The crates wouldn’t be the same size, but that would be ok? Right?
Our 5th graders looked at the differences between social justice and charity. Donating and pitching in to help versus identifying root causes to problems and seeking solutions. They have identified 10 issues that they will work to solve. This is no small task. One group is exploring homelessness in the Bay Area. They are asking, why are people homeless? What are the effects of homelessness on children? And what is currently being done about the issue? They are using research and writing essays to propose solutions, as well as using their technology time creating infographics to educate others.
Our second grade girl scouts are partnering with a sorority at Cal to collect colorful band-aids for kids at Children’s hospital. Our 4th graders collected supplies and made Bunny baskets with great love, to donate to the Sisters of Charity so those kids would have Easter baskets! While our science program can brag about raising and releasing 35 trout into Sausal Creek.
And at the end of the hall, the 8th graders debated the merits of “hashtag activism.” Is it pointless and too simple to be effective? Some think yes. Others pointed out the effectiveness of the Parkland High students who used social media to organize a national walk out.
We will keep providing the platform and there is no doubt, these kids will keep challenging us. The future is bright!