What a Fun Class

Saturday, 05 December 2009

• What a fun class!

  Yesterday was our last class till after the new year begins, so we decided it was time for more of a fun time, instead of "lecture" time.  Mr. Dave had informed me that he & I would have the current events for this class.  I was able to find an interesting article in our recent Newsmax magazine on the decline of manners.  What has happened to the rules of etiquette?  Why are people rude and disrespectful?  It seems the decline began in the '60's and the reaction to the Vietnam War.  "Attitudes towards authority deteriorated and people simply began to live for the moment".  We live in a self-centered society and people wonder why they should care about others and "what's in it for me".  I think this younger generation's manners would turn the generation of our grandparents gray in a day!  I encouraged the children to treat others with respect, open car doors for the women, give a firm hand-shake while looking the person in the eye, carry that grocery bag for the elderly woman, call people Mr. & Mrs. or ma'am or sir.  We need to be the example!!  Dave's current event was on Obama coming to Allentown to talk about what the government can do to create jobs.  He didn't expound on that too much.  Will discuss in further details in an upcoming class.
  We then played the "civics' bee" game.  Boys, who wanted to be called Navy Seals, against the girls, who called themselves Ladies of Liberty.  Mr. Dave would ask questions, alternating teams, and if the answer was correct, that team got to move 3 spaces.  If it was incorrect the other team got a chance.  The questions asked were from all the notes that were given from classes up to this point.  It seemed everyone had a great time.  The Navy Seals won the game - sorry Ladies of Liberty!   Great effort!
  
  
  The last part of class time, we put together grocery boxes.  Each family contributed food, enough of that item for 10 baskets.  The children had to wrap their boxes in pretty paper....
  
  Then they arranged food in boxes however their creative minds lead them to. 
  
  The box was finished off by putting clear wrapping over the top, attaching a snowflake that the student made and a card.
  
  The students are to give their box to a U.S. veteran and have an "interview" with him/her.  When class convenes in January, the students are to give a report on who they gave their box to, along with what war they fought in and any other information they gathered.   These men sacrificed much so we can enjoy our freedoms.  They deserve recognition and thanks.  As the card on box says "A Sincere thank you for your commitment and service in defending our freedoms.  Blessings to you during this Holiday Season!   With respect,....................."   The students did a great job and the boxes turned out really nice.   Thanks to everyone participation!
  Until next time............