I just discovered this amazing video, created by an 8th. grader in response to her life as a victim of bullying in her middle school. I love the simplicity and eloquence of her message, and plan to view it for my sixth graders next week. Listening to sixth graders in the hallway during passing time is a revelatory experience -the terms "ginger", "gay" and "loser" are bandied about with such careless ease that I feel my kids need to be reminded that words mean something and they leave lasting impressions.
Perhaps we can discuss this video and journal about its meaning - I have to think this through, obviously, but I don't think we can ever over-stress the importance of paying attention to what we say with our kids.
Wow. That was powerful. I have chills and tears. All I can say is wow.
ReplyDeleteWhat an awesome piece to share with your students. I hope that it is as powerful for them. I can't wait to hear their reactions and feedback.
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ReplyDeleteI teach kindergarten, so I couldn't share this with my students, but I am going to share the link on my blog. I went to hear Lester Laminack today at Birmingham Southern College. He is simply amazing and shared so much in regards to reading and writing, but a resounding theme was that children deserve our best. Above all, they deserve to be treated with kindness. We can't throw our hands up and dismiss them because they are "receiving of our excellent instruction," but must continue to try to reach them and love them and they will at least learn that they matter and they are loved. The message in the video about the power of words really connects with his message about how powerful our language is in life. Thanks for sharing this message. It's heart breaking, but hopefully can touch a heart and change it.
ReplyDelete(made an error in the earlier comment and couldn't edit it....so deleted and reposted. :)
College life is the best time of life
ReplyDeletebut the girl seems too open