The assignment: If you were ruler of the world for a day/week/month/year (your choice on the time), you would...
This was harder for me than I thought it would be. I considered legislating library funding but then decided I do not want the government after me to have the power to legislate libraries.
I considered being a smart-arse - surprising, I know - and just going with rude, crude and purposely shocking bumper sticker wisdom. You know - "Nuke the gay baby black whales for Jesus". That kind of thing.
I finally decided that I would like to take the schools backwards a bit. Back to the day when manners were an embedded part of any curriculum. Back to the day when children stood when an adult entered the room. Back to the day when any adult had the right and the responsibility to correct any egregious hooliganism they observed. Back to the day when any child knew that adults were to be obeyed and that your parents were gonna find out what you did because EVERYONE was gonna tell them what you did. Back to the day of "yes, ma'am" and "no, sir" and standing with your hand over your heart when your flag passed by or your national anthem was played. Back to the day when "please" and "thank you" and "excuse me" were heard substantially more often than public cursing. Back to the day when everyone knew that the correct answer to "how are you?" is "fine, thanks. How are you?"
The schools are already publicly funded and subject to all sorts of regulations, rules, and requirements. I foresee only one problem with this task. Where are we going to find young teachers who possess this knowledge, let alone the ability to pass it on?
Oh, well, it's my universe. Build a curriculum and they will teach it.
10 comments:
Yes, yes, yes! I look at some of these kids now and wonder when it became okay to be rude? And one 30 year old person I know thinks that it's not stealing unless you get caught! It seems to be a rather common idea. How did this happen??? My son will not be one of those. Everyone thinks he's so charming and well-mannered and are just blown away by him. Is this because he has older parents who instilled the older, more civilized mode of behavior in him? Uh-oh, you set me off, Sandy!
I am so tired of rude kids these days. I love it when adults are so surprised when Aaron says "please" and "thank you."
It is sad that those values no longer exist. And as I think back, it's hard to pin point exactly when they disappeared.
Thanks for participating.
we went for a walk last night -- and there was a kid sitting at the end of a drive (waiting for a ride)
he was maybe 13.
He spoke first: Nice night, isn't it.
We said it was indeed.
Then he said, Enjoy your walk.
We were quite astounded!!
Fortunately they are not all so bad at least here in Belgium. The real rude once are a minority. In my one week workshop in a Summer Art school there were a lot of youngsters from 16 years old. They all were very polite, nice and friendly I really couldn't complain !
Sandy you are so right~pamela's story should not be a surprise it should be the norm..sadly not the case where many youngsters are concerned.
Yes, Sandy..this is perfect...kids these days just are not taught manners...this is sorely lacking in our society and sorely needed!!!
Children are not encouraged to impress* anyone let alone consider and aim to be productive members of society. We as a society, allowing them to continue down this path are just as guilty and should be highly ashamed of ourselves.
*Impress is not the right word, but I'm sure you understand what I mean.
Right on! I am really shocked by some of what I see and hear in my kids' grammar school. A Catholic one, no less. It does take a village to raise children...so what happened to our village? I feel most grateful for those friends of mine with whom I feel like we can parent all of our kids together. I love their kids, they love mine, and we all help care for them and keep them in line. Wish it were more common...
I like your universe.
Hooray for the backing up in the education world. I'd live in your universe ;0)
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