school programs
September Project participants have been largely public libraries, so when a school library signs up, I'm particularly excited and interested in what they are planning. Today I heard from a librarian at MacArthur Elementary School, a school library in Binghamton, New York. Rather than attempt to describe their event, I'll let the librarian describe it:
"As an inner city school library, we are in a unique position to reach our community in a positive way. We plan to have a Peace Day on September 9, 2005, the Friday before 9/11. Parents and local celebrities and storytellers will be invited to read aloud to our K-5 students in the library, using peace tales. This event will be an integral part of our Character Education program at MacArthur. Our signature school story, A Bundle of Sticks, from Persia, first told in the aftermath of 9/11 by our librarian, Mrs. Pierce, will be retold. Children will be asked how THEY help create peace in their classroom and in their homes."
I love how Mrs. Pierce is including this program in their Character Education program. I can't think of a better lesson to learn than how to create peace. Beautiful.
posted by sarah @ 11:47 AM
2 Comments:
And will they tell the children that 9/11 is also the anniversary of the brutal and murderous overthrow of the democraticaly elected Allende government in Chile> That this US-supported coup led to the deaths of thousands of Chilean civilians? And that Chile coup is an example of the kind of American action that some say led to the attacks on New York and Washington?
when you say "And will they tell the children..." i don't think that there is a "they" here
it's up to us to tell these stories and to begin conversations.
libraries are offering a free space for ALL of us to have discussion and talk to one another about issues of concern.
so i think that the question should be and will YOU go and begin that conversation in your library. i would like to hear what you have to say.
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