[From a 3rd Grade teacher]
The most eye-opening civics lesson I ever had was while teaching third grade
in 2008. The presidential election was heating up and some of the children
showed an interest. I decided we would have an election for a class
president. We would choose our nominees. They would make a campaign speech
and the class would vote.
To simplify the process, candidates were nominated by other class members.
We discussed what kinds of characteristics these students should have. We
got many nominations and from those, Jamie and Olivia were picked to run for
the top spot.
The class had done a great job in their selections. The day arrived when
they were to make their speeches Jamie went first. He had specific ideas
about how to make our class a better place. He ended by promising to do his
very best. Every one applauded.
He sat down and Olivia came to the podium. Her speech was concise. She said,
“If you will vote for me, I will give you ice cream.” She sat down.
The class went wild. “Yes! Yes! We want ice cream.”
She surely would say more, but she didn’t. She did not have to. A discussion
followed. How did she plan to pay for the ice cream? She wasn’t sure. Would
her parents buy it or would the class pay for it. She didn’t know. The class
really didn’t care. All they were thinking about was ice cream. Jamie was
forgotten. Olivia won by a land slide.
So now we have had OUR election and 52.7% took up the offer like eight and
nine year olds. They want ice cream.
The other 46% also know that THEY are the ones who are going to have to pay
the bill.
~~
Dr Bob Griffin, www.grif.net
“Jesus knows me, this I love”