In this video we are shown the many horrible genocides that have taken place over the years. We are shown that each time our country has said "Never Again," but it keeps happening all the time. Beginning with the Holocaust this video gives a list of the many different horrible events that have taken the lives of so many innocent people. The video closes with the facts of Darfur. The present day genocide that is not talked about nearly enough. After watching this video I think it would be a great idea to have your class write a letter to congress, and even the President of the United States. It would be a great way to incorporate the writing aspect into something that can really help to make a difference. Also you can have your class write a proposal on what they can do to raise awareness about the horrible genocide that is taking place today in Darfur. The more people talk about it, the more people will actually step up and help make a difference.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qhow9xFH2_4&feature=related
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I think using current events and social issues across the curriculum is a great idea and absolutely necessary to prepare students and guide them to being pro-active citizens. Going back to our discussions in class, when students are writing to an audience that matters on a subject that matters, teachers will most likely see a significant transformation in their students' writing. Not only will this educate them on what's going on in the world they live in, it will help them process it and encourage them to voice their opinions and promote change; something that will inevitably carry over into other areas of their lives and futures.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Amy that current events can be integrated into the curriculum. What is important is that the genocide in Sudan receives more attention because the current state of the Sudanese people (especially the women who are raped as a systematic weapon of war) is one that must be helped from the international community.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree that writing letters to our politicians would be proactive and something students will always remember writing. Even if the students are not old enough to vote, their opinions matter. I would just be hesitant about what content and images teachers expose young students to. However it is definitely important that children realize that the United States isn't the "perfect" "model" country with no flaws.