My class is in our local paper

[Veronica]

http://brentwoodpress.v1.myvirtualpa...2008121801/en/

On page 11.

Veronica

[Tuckervill]

That is one tall fifth-grader!

It is a very sweet article. I wish I could read my newspaper online in that format. How clever!

Karen

[Crankin]

It's amazing how these kinds of projects turn even the worst kid into a pussycat. I guess that's why my former district is a leader in community service; it's required at every grade level and it has to be integrated with the curriculum... not just a one shot deal.
Nice article, Veronica! I hope your class has calmed down a bit.

[snapdragen]

What a great experience for your kids V!

[Veronica]

No... they are still a handful. They really came together for this project though and I'm really proud of how they embraced helping someone else. But they are often not so kind to each other unfortunately. "Familiarity breeds contempt."

But I keep trying. I know I've been successful in turning one of them around this year.

Veronica

[maillotpois]

Great article! Very cool that they did it - and got some recognition for it.

[OakLeaf]

cool - great idea!

[Veronica]

They brought in so much stuff that we wrapped presents for more than an hour. I gave a little lesson in how to wrap before they started. It was really cool to watch them help each other. I had 28 kids in class that day, so I know we had more than 28 presents, because each kid picked one to wrap and I had presents left over.

Veronica

[Running Mommy]

v-
You teach in Brentwood? My cousins live there- and they have school age kids... Hmm... wonder if any of them are lucky enought to have you as a teacher.
My old lady eyes couldn't read the article. What school do you teach at?

[Veronica]

I'm in Antioch at Grant Elem.


Veronica

[ClockworkOrange]

Snifffle.............what is it with me, everytime I read anything on this site I end up all tearful but in a happy way!

What a fantastic way of producing a newspaper.

I have become so fascinated with people's way of life in the States, 'when' I have some time, I want to browse through all of the newspaper.

I work in a hostel for teenagers and it is so sad, some of the youngsters have never done things so simple as wrapped presents, let alone had anybody to guide them how to do it.

Lovely story to read on Boxing Day, thanks Veronica for sharing.

Clock

[bmccasland]

I think that it empowers kids that they can do something that actually makes a difference in someone else's life. Isn't that part of the problem - feeling like nothing you (as a child / teen) does "matters"? So when there is a project that clicks with the kids, it can be a really great thing.

[sundial]

What a good example you've set, Veronica. You taught those kids a valuable lesson--the art and craft of giving.