TEACHthinking

I have big questions. They'll not be answered in my lifetime, but I keep asking. Why am I here? What is my purpose? What gives my life meaning? What is the right thing to do?

It's my opinion that all people in all walks of life ask these questions. In fact, children ask these questions. I've been reading the following books to help me help children ask questions--usually in response to literature--and seek kernels of truth.

The If Machine by Peter Worley

Image from The Philosophy Foundation

Philosophy for Kids by David White

Image from Barnes & Noble

A great place for ANYONE to start:

Zen Shorts by Jon Muth

Image from TitlePeek

“A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”

― Albert Einstein

Making a Difference

The world is so big and humans are so small. I am frequently overwhelmed by the need in my community, state, country, and the world. How to make a difference when I am but one? Well, as Desmond Tutu says, "Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good together that overwhelm the world."

In honor of doing a little bit of good, take a look at the following books:

One Hen by Katie Smith Milway

Image from Novelist

Through a community loan program, Kojo is able to purchase one chicken which helps lift him, his family, and his community out of poverty.

Wangari's Trees of Peace by Jeanette Winter

Image from LibraryThing

Wangari Maathai left her forested homeland to pursue education. Upon her return she realized that thousands of acres had been cut down. This book shares the story of her efforts to replant these trees with the help of women's groups. 

Oddballs

Everyone remembers the oddball in his or her school--the kid who never quite fit in, the student with a disability, the kid with family problems. As we age, we learn to show compassion and kindness to others (I hope!), but it can be hard to do this as a young person.

I've recently witnessed both criticism and compassion on the part of students--both part of learning to be a better person. These events reminded me that literature is a great way to bring home the lesson: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." 

(By the way, this lesson of reciprocity is a global moral extending back to ancient civilizations. It is taught in all major faiths as a manner of recognizing the image of God in all people.)

Here are my picks for helping middle grade students empathize with the oddballs among us:

Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick

Image from Novelist

Mad Max, aka that "retard", is a giant, dumb eighth grader struggling to overcome the terrible reputation of his father. His life begins to change when Kevin, suffering from a disease that stunts his growth, moves in down the street. Kevin is brilliant and, with the locomotion Max provides, the two are able to take quests around the neighborhood as "Freak the Mighty." As the story progresses, Max's father kidnaps him and Kevin dies. These events lead to an epiphany for Max that forever changes his life course.

Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead

Image from Novelist

Georges must tackle the struggles that accompany a social and economic downturn in his life. Suddenly abandoned and tormented by his lifelong friend, Jason, Georges befriends Safer, a home schooled boy with an endearing family. The boys bond while spying upon the mysterious tenant in their building, Mr. X. Of course, nothing is as it seems and the revelations the boys encounter reveal the secrets they keep, their potential to become leaders, and their ability to see the forest for the trees.