Watch out world, these kids are out to make a difference!

KIDS IN ACTION! 

(It's happening...right now!)

If you are a parent, grandparent, guardian, family or friend of a child in grade six at West Bayfield Elementary School, we all are hoping you have heard of Kids in Action. Because that's just what all of them are up to. They are busy researching and learning about human rights issues all across the globe, including here in Barrie. They've debated, thought and discussed everything from endangered animals to homelessness and poverty issues, to abandoned landmine fields in developing nations to international adoption, and from incurable diseases and water-poor countries to unequal access to sports and recreation.

It's amazing actually. These are entirely passionate kids. This inquiry project has taken hold in all corners of our classrooms, and they truly are kids in action. Now, our first stage of 'inquiring' is starting to wrap up, and students are in the planning stages of how and what they are going to do to support the cause or issue that they care about. The possibilities are endless: volunteering at a local non-government organization, raising money by shovelling driveways or hosting 'garage sales', making bracelets or artwork to sell, hosting bake sales, interviewing local policy makers, or writing letters to organizations that already are making a difference.

Just below there is a link to fill in details about due dates, expectations, guidelines and assessments for this project. Now that each student has picked their topic, developed a basic understanding of their topic, they will have a chance to create, present and act. Please click on the link for a detailed list of what this Inquiry Project is all about.

Project Expectations

As always, please call or email me at school if you have any questions!

(mvandermolen@scdsb.on.ca)

Here's a cool video of a few people out making the world a tiny bit better for people struggling with homelessness and poverty. And it's a good reminder for all of us to live generously and take care of each other.

And then there is this guy, offering hugs to strangers. We had a lively discussion about this one on Valentine's Day. Would you hug him? Is this a good thing to do? How does this "disturb the peace?" What do you think??