This week, we're taking that a step further, discussing our duties not only to our classroom, but also to our families, our friends, our communities, and our world. We are talking not only about how to behave in a classroom, but how to treat people. Being "kindful", as L put it, is important for everyone, and we are learning about why some people might need our kindness more than we know. We discussed how people struggle every day with feelings of sadness, fear, loneliness, longing, and hunger- without ever showing us.
We asked friends to think of the hungriest moment they could remember- perhaps after skipping breakfast and spending a long morning outside. We asked them to think about that feeling they might have gotten in their tummies- rumbly, growly, empty. Then, we asked them to imagine (to the best of their abilities) that the feeling didn't go away after half an hour... an hour... all day at school... or all evening at home. Their faces shifted- not ever really being able to know that feeling, but having a distinct sense that it was not one they wanted. We helped our friends consider how someone, even a child, might grow to have that feeling. The dialogue went something like this:
Friends: They could just eat.
Teacher: But, what if there's no food in the house?
F: They can ask for some!
T:From where? There's no food in the house
F: Their mommy and daddy can go to the store for them!
T: But, what if mommy and daddy don't have money for the store?
F: ...
The "us" and "them" nature of this conversation is potentially problematic. We certainly don't want our friends worrying that they are going home or coming to school with empty tummies any time soon. But, we also want them to understand that this is a real thing that real people suffer through. This is where a tangible experience is essential. We are doing a food drive throughout the school, and we will be going into the Second Harvest Food Bank to turn in our donations and hear about what happens to the food once it gets there. Where does the food come from? Who gets it? What do they need? How do they get it? Why do they need it?
We are opening the lines of communication for a concept that can be confusing and scary to
children in stable and comfortable living environments. Knowing that there are resources in place for those who suffer makes it easier to grapple with the potential of being in that position or knowing someone who is. And, it also empowers us to help so long as we have the means to do so.
We hope you will bring donations in throughout the Food Drive, and we look forward to updating you as the project continues.
