The random political thoughts thread (Part Deux)

[wendybeth]

Originally Posted by scaeagles

How will I discuss it with them? Again, it depends on what he's saying, so I can't tell you. Should he come right out and say "Tell your parents you want the government to ensure your health for your entire life" might meet with a severe and profanity laced outburst, while "Stay in school" would be something to the effect of "yeah, pretty obvious, and I've told you every day of your life when you procrastinate on your homework how important school is - in fact, we pay extra for it because we think it's so important".

At the top of this page are links to pdfs of the department of education suggested activities pre, during, and post speech. It's just creepy. Anything from describing this as an historic event (a President telling kids to stay in school is historic?) and wanting comparisons to other historic Presidential moments to essays about how they can help Obama to asking how the President will inspire them today. Creepy.

If you had ever been in the teaching game, then you would know that this is standard practice for any major, or even minor, occasion. Prior to Challenger blasting into oblivion, millions of schoolchildren were involved in the process by using before, during, and after the event suggestions to maximize the educational aspect of the experience. Of course, 'after' in the case of Challenger probably involved counseling, but I digress. Any unique opportunity in the classroom (be it public, private, or homeschool) is approached in the manner suggested the Dept. of Education, etc. Nearly every lesson plan I use at home contains many of these same suggestions as applied to the topic at hand.