What is Power?
Students are capable of much more than we, as adults, give them credit. Their ideas are ingenious, yet are their ideas heard and valued? Rather than school being a system to make it through in order to finally engage in the "real world," schools should be places where "the real world" is happening. Each student's life is valuable to the community and there is so much potential for their innovative ideas. Rather than suppress their ideas and excitement for learning at a young age, we should be teaching them how to question and critically view information. Students need to see that they can make changes that impact the world around them right now. They don't have to wait till they grow up to make a difference. We will know we have done our job, as educators, when our students are seeking answers to their own inquiries, questioning purposes behind the texts they are reading, looking for subtle messages sent through images, engaging in meaningful discussions about current events that call one another to action, respecting and valuing the ideas of others, and extending empathy towards those with different perspectives and ideas. Information and knowledge by itself is simply knowing facts. But when you add reflection with knowledge and you allow that knowledge to stimulate action, it brings about transformation.
Power in Poetry
How would you say these poems speak of power?
Is any part confusing? Do you agree with what they say?
Words Words said, sung, written Bred man's civilization. Words made us human. Copyright © 2015 Robert Candler |
Songs of Power Winds of Change
Whistling wind is whispering a change is coming The iron curtain is crumbling - I am certain A wall dividing a nation in two - is falling down A new dawn brings the hope of being ONE Revolution is in the air - voices have been heard The power of rebellion has brought a new era Hope for a new generation - freedom of the mind Children can now dream and live to succeed My sister you are now free to speak you mind Give me your hand my brother, we are now comrades Parents and families reunited to live together So many rejoice in the hope of peace and unity What future awaits for them - only time will tell especially with imperialistic greed watching closely The Silent One 10 November 2015 Copyright © 2015 Silent One |
Kids in Need
We live in a world where we constantly need things. Mansions, clothes, shoes, shiny diamond rings. You see so many people caught up in the moment, That it seems like we all forget how much this world’s been broken. Children go hungry, they get sick or they die. And all we do is ignore their pleading cries. We think we all need cool rides and a fancy car, And we make too many wishes on some stupid star. They say that ignorance is bliss. If we pretend it’s not happening then what’s the point of all this? The endless commercials telling us, ‘They need your help!’ But we ignore it all because they can take care of themselves. But you’re wrong. Oh, you are very, very wrong. They really do need our help so that they can stay strong. We pretend that we do, but we don’t really understand. It’s so much more than we could ever begin to comprehend. Their silence to some means they don’t need us. They’re crying out for help but they don’t want to make a fuss. I feel like the folks in this cruel world we live in, Don’t realize there are some that can see their bones through their skin. Some children would kill to have a roof over their head! To be able to peacefully sleep in an actual bed. To have a family not dying of neglect and disease, To be able sleep and be free of fatigue. They dream of growing up to be something great, And they wouldn’t have to worry about the last time they ate. We are blind to it all, for we cannot see, All their potential and what they could be! For there are many children who might succeed, If we could open our eyes and help these Kids In Need. Mon, 02/02/2015 - Linzie-Kinz |
A Teacher A teacher introduces us to a new vision of life, to make us as sharp as a knife. Someone who gives us a new sight, to make us reach the greatest height, to give us the greatest flight. So a teacher makes a human being the most intelligent and respectable creature. Source: http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/a-teacher#ixzz3u9DrB4vB #FamilyFriendPoems |
Who Has the Power in these Texts?
Dr. Seuss had another message
Dr. Seuss had an important message to send and he sent it through his comic strips and children's books. Consider the idea that, Horton Hears a Who, a book about Horton helping save the Who's from destruction, is actually about the Japanese in danger of destruction during the World War II. At the end, the little Who JoJo is the one who saves Whoville because even he can make a difference. Your voice is important. Can you think of other groups of people that could take the place of the "Who's" in this text? Whose voice is missing that needs to be heard from in order for a difference to be seen?
Look at some of Dr. Seuss's other texts. Can you find the hidden message that he is actually sending?
Look at some of Dr. Seuss's other texts. Can you find the hidden message that he is actually sending?