While at the SOURCES conference, I was so honored to get to hear the presentations by the year twos. I enjoyed hearing about how they are using their students and their community to get kids to think about how they can help their world. I think it’s a powerful thing when students can feel empowered and come up with their own ideas on how to solve big world problems.
One of my favorite projects shared was Joy’s. I love how she started the year by getting the Mayor of Roswell to come and talk with her students. I was surprised by how she said her students questioned and interacted with the mayor. Sometimes, I know I don’t give kids enough credit. I’m amazed at how she took this project and gave it to her kids and allowed them the freedom to come up with how they could address it and gave them the power to change their community. Although I know the reality is that these problems probably still exist and will continue to exist, I think it matters that the kids did something about it. It reminds me of Black Ants and Buddhists when Mary Cowhey talks about all the things you try to do and how sometimes—it doesn’t make much of a difference for the situation. But it DOES make a difference in your heart.
I also loved hearing about Laura’s endeavors to improve the library. One thing I want to improve upon next year is helping the kids LOVE books. I’ve been so devastated this year when my books get ruined and messed up. It’s SO sad. I want to find a way to instill honor and respect for books and literature and the art of reading next year. I think by involving her kids in this project on improving the library, she made them care about reading. She gave them something to love about books and reading.
Finally, I don’t know what to even say about Coach Powell’s talk. It was interesting. Some of the things he talked about, such as knowing your history and embracing who you are as a person were wonderful. On the other hand, I’m not so sure I agree with his linear message about sex and women and how they treat their bodies. I agree that women should honor and respect their bodies, but I think that means something different to everyone. I honestly would have loved to hear more about his thoughts on hip hop’s subculture and the nature of pop culture in general.
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