Ahh, the beginning of September. Time for one last family road trip. Time to get ready for school to begin, and the time to…be upset with the President’s speech to our school children?
Last week President Obama addressed school-aged students about education. As with any political speech there were boo-ers and cheer-ers. Personally, I believe that when the President speaks it’s important to listen; whichever political stance you take, the President should reaffirm your beliefs and values.
However, taking a political side is not the meaning of this post. Even though I am no longer in a classroom setting; I have talked to fellow teachers and students about their experience with the President’s address. Two teachers told me that they had the students listen to it, one told me that he had students write letters to the President, including their views, in response. Each student that I’ve spoken to said that their teachers didn’t really do anything with it, except listen to the speech and talk about it in the classroom. I felt confident that the reason many educators didn’t use this as a teachable moment was due to potential frustration expressed by their students’ families.
Although the speech has since passed, it is important to not pass by opportunities for teachable moments. President Obama did not speak to our nation’s children as just a Democrat; but as a father of children and the leader of our country. I am sure that there was a part of that speech that each person could find agreement with. Who doesn’t feel that watching less television is good? Or that children, and adults alike, should be aware of what they write on their social networking page? In short, each person is sure to find parts of the President’s speech that are relatable. Take the time and discover which passage connects with you, thereby creating a teachable moment for the children in your life.
Additional Resources and Commentary on President Obama’s speech
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/09/education/09educ.html?_r=1&ref=education
Actual Speech Remarks from the President
Article from The Week Magazine
http://www.theweek.com/article/index/100390/Obamas_pep_talk_The_tempest_in_a_classroom
Secondary article from The Week Magazine on the President’s Speech
http://www.theweek.com/article/index/100140/Obamas_school_speech_lesson
I really like your articles about lessons; but it seems like the lessons are made available after the event happens. I wish that they were there sooner, so I could use them right away.
You’re right, it is hard to implement a lesson plan when the event has already passed. However, there are times when I do not become aware of a special event, such as the Banned Book Week, until it is over. Right now I am working on the Top 6 ways to create a Hispanic/Latino lesson into October, since it is that special heritage month. I will make sure you have it before the end of the month.