Thursday, October 21, 2010

PBS video - "A Class Divided" and U2 One

Wow, watch the following video, "A Class Divided". Really interesting and thought provoking!!!
click on the link below....

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/video/flv/generic.html?s=frol02p66&continuous=1

Now watch U2's "One" video



One Assignment - Please note that there are other aspects to the assignment, including a viewing chart, that the students received in class. Here is the song assignment and reflection.

Final Reactions…


At every U2 concert, Bono invites the audience to learn more about the One Campaign to Make Poverty History. Already, more than 650,000 people have joined the movement. The goal is to collect the names of 1 million U.S. residents and persuade the federal government to dedicate 1% of the U.S. budget toward “basic needs--education, health, clean water, food, and care for orphans.” According to ONE this “would transform the futures and hopes of an entire generation in the poorest countries." U2 is an example of a band that is going beyond mere words and one who works hard to make a difference.

1. Why is the song called “One”?

2. Who is the intended audience?

3. What is the message? What is the song writer, Bono, imploring us to do?



4. Choose a passage from the song that “speaks to you” or that you connect with the most. Explain why this passage connects with you.



5. Diversity Viewing Assignment: Find a song similar to this one and explain why the song connects to:

a. The Themes – “valuing diversity and helping make a difference” – Explain with specific lyrics from the song why it connects to the theme.

b. In the form of a paragraph explain why this song resonates with you. Why do you connect with the song?

c. Post your Diversity Viewing Assignment on http://www.kidblog.org/
*** Each of you was given an account.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Glogster and Kidblog

Remember to access Glogster.com you need that crazy userid that I gave you. Most of you have it written in your agenda and know the password. You will be using Glogster for the Terry Fox poster. For more info, scroll through my blog.

Kidblog.org (not kidsblog...) is for classroom blogging. We will use it to communicate with Corporal Hamelin in Sudan as well as blogging to other questions in ELA and Social.
You all have a user id and a password for this site as well.
Just go to the site and log in with the userid that I gave you. It will be your first name and possibly a number behind it. You all know your password. We discussed it in class. Feel free to come to me to change your password. It just takes a second or 2.


Ms. Stewie

Inspiring Young People

The following is information that Darleen forwarded to me. Take a look at the links and information below. If any students find information like this, feel free to pass it along...

Youtube video about Zach:



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ftTsOr1EQA0






Little Red Wagon official website:


http://littleredwagonfoundation.com/






Zach's moving speech:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KGFzPsy6iXg






Zach's interview on 96.9 The Kat Todd Baker:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGpqkjwmeWk


BIO ON ZACH...
He founded an organization called "The Little Red Wagon Foundation" for children who don't have homes in America.

In 2007, Zach began his three-stage "My House to the White House" project. The project's purpose was to raise money and awareness for homeless children. In 2007, he walked 280 miles from Tampa to Tallahassee, Florida, while in 2008, he covered 250 miles from Tallahassee to Atlanta, Georgia. In the final leg of the trip, he walked 668 miles from Georgia to Washington D.C. Upon the completion of the "My House to the White House" project, Bonner planned another project, March Across America. From March 23 to September 14, 2010 with Cody Robert Simpson. He walked 2,448 miles from Tampa to Los Angeles.



Zach has done a variety of volunteer work since he was six years old. In 2004, when Hurricane Charley hit neighborhoods, he collected 27 pickup trucks of water in his little red wagon. He established the Little Red Wagon Foundation to "continue helping kids more efficiently".Bonner teamed up with the StandUp For Kids and collected 400 backpacks of supplies, nicknamed "Zachpacks", for homeless children. The Zachpacks were filled with donated snacks, toys, and toiletries.

Bonner organized Christmas parties for homeless children living in Baker, Louisiana, and he gave Christmas presents to Hurricane Katrina victims.

In April 2007, he organized 24 Hours, an event that simulated being homeless for 24 hours. During that period of time, students in high schoolstayed in their own separate boxes for 24 hours.



Zach Bonner's "My House to the White House" project took place in three stages covering 1,225 miles to raise awareness and funds for homeless children. The first leg in 2007 from November 3-26 covered 280 miles from Tampa to Tallahassee, Florida and raised $25,000.The second leg in the fall of 2008 covered over 250 miles from Tallahassee to Atlanta, Georgia.

The third leg of the trip began May 11, 2009. The 668-mile, 59-day walk from Georgia to Washington D.C. was completed on July 10. Bonner met with Saxby Chambliss and spoke with several other U.S. Senators on Capitol Hill. He slept at the Sasha Bruce emergency shelter.



In 2010, he walked from Tampa to Los Angeles. Calling the trip "March Across America", he began the 2,478-mile walk on March 23, 2010. Bonner walked an average of 17–22 miles every day. During his walk, he gave gift cards to people in need.[17] Lee Cowan of NBC Nightly News' "Making A Difference" profiled Bonner in early August; Cowan called Zach a "pint-sized philanthropist". On the show, Zach said that "When you're having a bad day you (have) to realize that someone else is having a lot worse of a day than you."

Bonner planned to complete the walk by September, after 178 days of walking. On September 14, 2010, Bonner completed the nearly 2,500-mile-walk to Los Angeles.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Chilean Miners Rescue

We will be completing listening questions on the following videos (click the link to access the video), as well as reading articles about the Chilean miners who were trapped.


1. Watch this first video which explains the rescue effort from CBS (American newbroadcasting station)
"Chilean Miners Rescue Effort" (1:37)(from about 1 month ago).


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJyS9ghxAPE&feature=related


2. Then watch the latest newscast from CBC (yesterday)
"Oldest Miners Reach the Surface" (7min 12 seconds)
http://www.cbc.ca/video/player.html?category=News&zone=world&site=cbc.news.ca&clipid=1614164932

Questions...
"Chilean Miners Rescue Effort"
1. What do the rescue trucks carry?
2. Name 3 things that the narrow pipes are passing down to the miners?
3. How far is the mine underground?
4. How wide will the rescue tunnel be?
5. Why must rescuers go slowly when digging the tunnel?
6. What is the name of the makeshift village that the families are living in?
7. Why is this an appropriate name?

"Oldest Miners Reach the Surface"
1. Who is now being brought to the surface?
2. What kind of diet have these people been fed? Why?
3. How old is the oldest miner?
4. What is his name?
5. What does he do after he hugs and kisses his wife? Why is this act so significant?
**** Listen to the reporter on the Web Cam for the following...****
6. Why did children work in the mines many years ago in Chile?
7. What does the term, "Salt of the earth people" mean?
8. How many miners have been rescued so far, according to the video?
9. Name 2 health issues that the miners face?

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Iqbal Masih

Child Labourers and Activists for Child Labour

What does it Mean to be a Child Labourer???

Iqbal Masih sitting in the street

http://childrensworld.org/globalclassroom/page.html?pid=53




Read the article on the link above. Answer the following questions. Print out and complete the questions.


Iqbal Becomes a Slave...


1. How old was Iqbal when he started his first day at the carpet factory?




2. What is his salary?


3. What is the most he would make as a salary in his first 5 years?


4. What is the advance that Iqbal's mother takes from Arshad Ghullah called? Why does she need an advance? How much does he own now? What does he owe now? What impact does it have on his life?


5. What does he mumble before he sleeps? Why is this significant?


Iqbal's Beloved Sister


6. How does Iqbal's job as a carpet labourer impact his sister, Sobia? What does this say about how child labour affects the whole family?


Iqbal Runs Away


7. What event causes Iqbal to finally make the decision to run away? How does this event demonstrate the total loss of humanity and human rights?

8. Iqbal and some other boys decide to run away. When they do this they are beaten with a carpet fork. Why do they risk everything to play all day? What happens to them?

Cricket With Problems
9. What does it mean to the lives of Iqbal and Shafiq when they are considered "debt slaves"? What does this term mean to their lives as children?

Pakistani Wedding - Wedding Necklace for an Indentured Slave
10. How does Aslam's wedding impact Iqbal? How did Ghuliah take advantage of Iqbal's family?

Towards Freedom
11. How does the "Bonded Labour Abolition Act" impact Iqbal?

12. What is a "freedom letter"? What is Ghuliah's reaction?

Iqbal Begin's School
13. How do you know that school is very important to Iqbal? What does he do to demonstrate this? Be specific. (Examine the photos and read the article).

Iqbal's School Party
14. Describe how a school party differs in Pakistan from one here. Create a Venn Diagram to help in the comparison.

15. How has Iqbal's education shaped him in becoming an "idol" for other debt slave children like him?

Iqbal Gives Other Children Courage
16. How does Iqbal inspire other children to do things they wouldn't normally do? How does he inspire his sister?

Iqbal's Bundle
17. What did Iqbal carry in a special bundle? What does this say about him and his faith? How do you think that faith helped Iqbal?


FREE THE CHILDREN INFORMATION ON CHILD LABOUR



http://www.freethechildren.com/getinvolved/youth/issues/index.php?type=childlabour&gclid=CPuDqrmUgKUCFSMd5wodo0Dggw

Check out the Teacher Tube video created by  a student on child labourer activist, Iqbal Masih


http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=227&title=Iqbal_Masih


Video from Catholic News Agency







Video of  Iqbal Masih's Speech (I think it's reinacted or from a movie)....


Craig Kielburger ... person who started Free the Children and activist inspired by the actions of Iqbal Masih...
Documentary - What Can One Person Do to Make a Difference and Seek Justice?



"It Takes a Child..."-  Craig Kielburger's Story...



Free the Children Information

RBC - Free the Children Blue Water Project



Listening Questions
Watch the video carefully and complete the following questions. (Copy/paste and print off these questions, then watch the video)
Answer in JOT NOTE FORM.
1. What charity organization is one of the largest in the world?

2. Why did Lena Baronikian (girl from Toronto) start a Blue Water Project club at her school?

3. How much money have they raised?

4. What is the money for?

5. Name 2 needs that are mentioned in the African community.

6. Why didn't the girls go to school in the community?

7. How long do the girls have to walk to get clean water?

8. What system was brought to the school to ensure that all kids go clean water?

9. Why is it important that this system was brought to the school? (GRADE 8)

10. How does the water system work? Name 3 steps (GRADE 8).

11. How is Alice Malai's life different from her daughter Faith's life?

12. What is the most significant thing that will make a difference in her children's lives? (GRADE 8)

13. Name 2 pollutants that pollute the river water.

14. Do the people know that the water is polluted?

15. Are there other sources in the village?

16. How many times would the girl interviewed at the river, fetch water before school?

17. Was Faith's grandmother, Grace Mosani, allowed to attend school as a child?

18. What were the girls supposed to do when Grace was young?

19. Why did Faith's family put her notebooks and pages from her notebook near the ceiling in their home? 

20. Why is Faith attending school so important to her family? (GRADE 8).

21. How does Canadian student, Lena Baronikian connect to Faith's story? Why does she care?

22. How is the charity at Lena's school making a difference to the lives in Faith's community in Kenya, Africa?

LEONARDO DICAPRIO'S ECO SITE....
Watch his short film on water...
http://www.leonardodicaprio.org/files/videos/waterplanet.html


KIDS CREATING PEACE
The following video is for an organzation that is similar to the article in our Global Citizens text, "Kids Encouraged to Build Peace" (p. 25-26) .

After you watch the video and read the article, think about why it's important for kids to learn about respecting the diversity of others and the importance of not only tolerating differences, but appreciating what other cultures have to offer.



Read the following interview from World Vision about Fatmire Feka, founder of Kids for Peace... click on the following link
http://www.worldvision.ca/ContentArchives/content-stories/Pages/Pray.aspx


Fatmire's 2009 Speech from The Eagle Down Foundation on Vimeo.

'In the hearts of people today there is a deep longing for peace. When the true spirit of peace is thoroughly dominant, it becomes an inner experience with unlimited possibilities. Only when this really happens - when the spirit of peace awakens and takes possession of men's hearts, can humanity be saved from perishing.'


-- Albert Schweitzer

French Oral Assessment

In the next 2 weeks we will have a french oral assessment. Students will be asked questions that relate to what we have studied in class and respond orally to a few simple questions. Students will be evaluated using the following criteria.
EVALUATION RUBRIC FOR ORAL ASSESSMENT

Level 4 - Student understands everything (all questions in french); and can respond  with at least 80% of the vocabulary taught, and has correct /very good pronounciation.

Level 3 - Student understands with a little prompting to questions in french; and can respond using at least 50-80% french phrases taught, with good pronounciation.

Level 2 - Student understands with significant prompting to questions in french; and is able to respond using some french words (responds mostly in english).

Level 1 - Student is not able to understand  (or very, very little) and cannot respond in french.

The goal is that the students experience success. They should not worry about this quiz. To prepare, they can study their notes and be familar with the content.

STUDY THE FOLLOWING
(Introduction handout)
1. Comment t'appelle tu? Je m'appelle...

2. Comment s'appelle ton ecole? Mon ecole est....

3. Quel age as tu? J'ai....___ ans.

4. Quelle est la date de ton anniversaire? Mon anniversaire est......

5. Quel est la date aujourd 'hui?  Le date aujourd 'hui est le ___ octobre, 2010 (2010 deux mille dix)

6. Comment vas tu aujourd'hui? Je suis bien/mal  or Comme ci comme ca.

7. Quel saison est octobre? L'automne.

8. Ou habites-tu? Je habite au Regina, Sask...

9. Quel est ton numero de telephone? Mon numero de telephone est...

10. Quelle est ton adresse? Mon adresse est.... (Street is "rue" and Road is "Chemin")

11. Quelle est ta nourriture preferee? Je prefer... / J'adore.... / J'aime....

12. A quelle heure est-ce que tu te leves? Je me leve a 7heure.

13. Quels sont les membres de ta famille? J'ai ____ personnes dans ma famille.

14. Comment ca va? ca va bien/ ca va mal/ comme si comme ca.

15. How do you say... thank you, excuse me, good night, see you later, please, hello, good bye
(see your notes or "google it" see the french/english dictionary)