Parents Night Out, A Voice, and Pep Talks

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Our students plunged right into February.

First we had a fabulous time at Parents Night Out.  The kids created some beautiful Valentine art – each one hopefully making its way to the front of a refrigerator at home.   We danced a little and played a rousing game of Duck Duck Goose.  Then we gathered snacks (Cuties and popcorn) and settled in for the movie.  It was great fun to be with friends!

Sunday classes dove into discussions on principle 5 (All people have a say – or – the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process)

The K-2 and Pre-K classes combined for some hands-on learning.  We all voted on what game to play.  Then we had an impromptu lesson on compromise as well as anarchy.  Everyone went home happy!

The 3-5 grade students recapped principle 4 – search for what is true – and talked about things that make them feel good about themselves.  Larry shared that these are the things that “give meaning to life”.

In the 6-8 grade class Molly shared “that as I read about teaching democracy one educator talked about how disheartening it could be for kids if the entire focus was on very serious issues. My goal was to not be depressing!”

They had a quick game matching Rights with Responsibilities – like the right to protest but the responsibility to not harm people or property when protesting. Then they got PEP-TALKED! We watched a video of Kid President and talked about the things that could make the world more awesome. (Disclosure – you have to watch the videos to find these comments funny.kid president pep talk: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-gQLqv9f4o; kid president cupcakes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P08R-LOUnZI)  We talked about ways our lives could be more awesome locally. Here you go grown-ups:

    1. Home – not a lot…maybe more outdoor stuff and a private bathroom
    2. School – after school exercise/sports at grade schools, junior high sports that you don’t have to try out for
    3. The UU – more kids and new furniture for the stage
    4. City of Manhattan – an indoor gym or playground open to the public for kids when the weather is too hot, too cold or too muddy to be outside.
This was a great discussion and not just a wish list. We talked about what it would take to make these things happen and who would have to agree to these changes. These young people do grasp how the world works. And totally not depressing!

The Nursery  kids kept busy with games and books and lots and lots of smiles. Never a dull moment!

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