With the Holiday season brings talk of many parts of our lives. Students have loved sharing our family traditions and memories of the past. With these conversations also comes talks of what the students want for the future. To balance these exciting discussions, classes have introduced the Second Grade core work, Those Shoes by Maribeth Boelts. In the story the main character, Jeremy, really wants a pair of popular sneakers. With winter coming and new boots needing to be purchased, his grandmother reminds Jeremy that in their household, "There is no room for want, only need." When he purchases a pair of "those shoes" from a thrift shop with his own money, he has to squeeze his toes into the too-small shoes. However, even with his disappointment that the shoes do not fit and cannot be worn, he notices a friend in school needing a pair and he makes the decision to give him his pair.
Moved by the kindness of the character, students engaged in meaningful conversations about that which we need and that which we want. Classes considered what is important in life and questioned certain items that may seem quite important, but in reality, are a bonus to our basic needs.
To that end, for this year's rescheduled Thanksgiving Share, second graders gathered with the rest of the Brookside students, faculty, and staff to share a pizza lunch together. After the meal, students worked together to build birthday treat bags for children that may not have everything they want to celebrate their special day. We packed cards, birthday cake ingredients, and small gifts to make a child's day one to remember. It was a wonderful way to share joy during this time of the year.
Moved by the kindness of the character, students engaged in meaningful conversations about that which we need and that which we want. Classes considered what is important in life and questioned certain items that may seem quite important, but in reality, are a bonus to our basic needs.
To that end, for this year's rescheduled Thanksgiving Share, second graders gathered with the rest of the Brookside students, faculty, and staff to share a pizza lunch together. After the meal, students worked together to build birthday treat bags for children that may not have everything they want to celebrate their special day. We packed cards, birthday cake ingredients, and small gifts to make a child's day one to remember. It was a wonderful way to share joy during this time of the year.