Do you remember when you were little? Everyone was always telling us not to run with scissors, run down hills, jump on the bed, or sniff sharpies or expo markers. Most of us didn't understand why, but a lot of us did it anyways. (Heck, I will admit even I sniffed a sharpie or two simply because I wanted to know why I wasn't supposed to). When we were little kids, we often did things simply because we were told not to. The Denver Post published one article called Boy, 8, suspended after sniffing Sharpie marker about one 8 year-old boy named Eathan Harris who was suspended for sniffing a sharpie marker and a shirt which he had drawn a sharpie line on.
This article matters to the world simply because of the ridiculousness of it all. Yes children, I have noticed, are becoming more and more violent towards peers and teachers, and drug use in schools is a growing epidemic. However, assuming that an 8 year-old boy is huffing sharpie fumes to get high is absolutely bizarre. At Eathan's age, most boys don't even know what huffing is.
I think it is important to take initiative when a child acts out. And yes, children who hurt themselves need to be stopped, but suspending a boy because he was being, well, a boy is almost comical. It certainly makes schools look foolish. Schools need to watch their students, so I don't blame them for being concerned. Also, as an aunt, I can't honestly say that sharpies are what kids should be sticking into their noses (I almost prefer fingers.) But if schools are going to act out so severely merely because a boy was curious as to why he was being told no, then schools need to take a look at what really makes a druggie. If Eathan had been continuing this pattern, I can understand stepping in, but immediately assuming Eathan was doing this to hurt himself can make other children scared to even use sharpies, and gives kids a bad view of curiosity.
This article matters to me because I have a niece who is curious about everything. At her age, reverse-phsycology often turns into retrieving a ball from her mouth, or a sticker from her ear. Someday, she will be Eathan's age. I will have to make her cough up paper she swallowed, pens will be confiscated, jelly beans removed from all sorts of places, comb out hair after she ties it in an eternity knot, and sharpie fumes will be discovered snaking their way into her system. I will freak out when these things happen, but am I honestly going to spank her, or put her in time out because she wanted to know what was so bad about something? Probably not. I can remember doing the same exact thing Eathan did. I wasn't trying to get high, nor was I trying to potentially hurt myself. I simply wanted to know why everyone kept telling me not to sniff the markers.
Curiosity can be dangerous for little kids. Yes, I will not deny it, Eathan could have caused himself harm had he not had his marker confiscated ( I am assuming they did confiscate it before sending Eathan home..) but we all did it. I can't think of a single person I know who hasn't tried something potentially dangerous. I suppose I can understand the concern the school administrator who had Eathan suspended felt when Eathan continued to sniff the marker, but simply taking away the marker and explaining why it was bad would suffice. Shockingly, kids Eathan's age do understand when you sit down and explain it to them.
Perhaps Eathan's school's decision to suspend him was correct, but I can't honestly see how, if Eathan had tried to hurt himself, sending him home (where there are doubtless more sharpies) could possibly help. What do you, my readers think?
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
PLN 7
Students who come into class late often miss out on important lessons. They get detention, marked down, or some other form of punishment. Coming into class late is indeed disrespectful to the teacher and to the class, but what happens when one teacher takes wild disciplinary action against one student to the point that other classmates attacked him? Rocky Mountain News’s Teacher OK'd beating of tardy student, police say talks about one Brian Havel, who after a student walked late into his class allowed about 10 or 15 others to begin beating the teen faces charges of child abuse.
This article matters to the world because although the teen boy of about 15 or 16 years old had no injuries after the incident, he was nonetheless attacked. Students should feel safe in their classrooms. They should be able to walk into class feeling comfortable. Yes, students should be punished when they come to class late, but what Havel allowed in his classroom was appalling. Though Havel is completely in the wrong for allowing such behavior, what is even more disgusting is that other students in the class asked if they were allowed to hit the student. Havel had a rule in his class that any student who was late to class had to do a certain amount of push-ups in a given amount of time. When the student (whose names is never given) either refused or was not able to complete the exercise, his fellow classmates where given permission to hit him.
This article matters to me because they boy who was attacked was about my age. He was hurt by fellow students; by people he went to class with, ate lunch with. I was horrified when I learned that they had asked to punch another student. I guess I just don’t understand how you could do something like that to another student, and then sit by them the next day in class. I am comfortable with the people in my classes. As far as I know, none of them dislike me enough to ever ask for permission to take my punishment into their own hands, but the fact that there are teens out there like that, and there are teachers who allow it startles me.
It isn’t said whether any of the students who assailed the teen are going to be pressed with charges, but just knowing that they would feel such violence towards another student is frightening. Knowing that young people could feel such hate towards another classmate shocks me, and I can’t help but wonder, what happens to teens like that later on in life, when real challenges oppose them?
This article matters to the world because although the teen boy of about 15 or 16 years old had no injuries after the incident, he was nonetheless attacked. Students should feel safe in their classrooms. They should be able to walk into class feeling comfortable. Yes, students should be punished when they come to class late, but what Havel allowed in his classroom was appalling. Though Havel is completely in the wrong for allowing such behavior, what is even more disgusting is that other students in the class asked if they were allowed to hit the student. Havel had a rule in his class that any student who was late to class had to do a certain amount of push-ups in a given amount of time. When the student (whose names is never given) either refused or was not able to complete the exercise, his fellow classmates where given permission to hit him.
This article matters to me because they boy who was attacked was about my age. He was hurt by fellow students; by people he went to class with, ate lunch with. I was horrified when I learned that they had asked to punch another student. I guess I just don’t understand how you could do something like that to another student, and then sit by them the next day in class. I am comfortable with the people in my classes. As far as I know, none of them dislike me enough to ever ask for permission to take my punishment into their own hands, but the fact that there are teens out there like that, and there are teachers who allow it startles me.
It isn’t said whether any of the students who assailed the teen are going to be pressed with charges, but just knowing that they would feel such violence towards another student is frightening. Knowing that young people could feel such hate towards another classmate shocks me, and I can’t help but wonder, what happens to teens like that later on in life, when real challenges oppose them?
PLN 6
Many teens suffer from thoughts of suicide. I myself have several friends who have thought, or even attempted to kill themselves. It is a cold, hard reality in the world today. Harry Potter author: I considered suicide by CNN talks about one woman who suffered from depression, and out of it came the most famous series of our generation.
J.K. Rowling won the hearts of millions of children, teens, and even adults with her Harry Potter series. Now one of the richest women on Earth, no one would expect her to be like so many other women out there. No one would expect her to have started out as a poor, working, and very depressed, single mom. After separating from her first husband, Rowling was living in a cramped apartment with her baby daughter. Her apartment had only been afforded through a friend who offered to help her financially. After so long, alone and depressed, Rowling realized what her depression was doing to her, and she sought help.
This article matters to me because I know so many people who are suicidal. J.K. Rowling was depressed, but she was willing to admit it. She was willing to get help. So many of my friends had to have help thrust upon them (at which point they don't see it as help, only an invasion of privacy). I know how hard it is to live with depression (two of my sisters were diagnosed with it), and I know it is hard to seek help, to admit that there is "something wrong" with you. However, perhaps if more people had something, or someone to keep them firmly planted on the ground, maybe more people like J.K. Rowling would come out and find the help they need.
This article matters to the world because so many teens do suffer from depression. Most don't seek help for it, because they don't see anything wrong with it. Indeed, at our fragile age, we often feel low and lonely, but so often, that feeling of sadness gets out of hand. What brought Rowling back to the real world was the fact that she had a daughter to care for, and baby who needed her. Rowling had something to fight back with, something to fight of the depression.
Even though Rowling was older than my friends, and indeed many teens who have suicidal thoughts, she still sends a message. So many times, we only see the bad. Rowling saw the blessing in her life; she saw her daughter, and it helped her through her depression. If only more young people could see the blessings in their lives, perhaps less would commit suicide, and more would seek help. Although, as far as we know, Rowling never actually tried to commit suicide, she still serves as a role model for depressed teens seeking the light in their own lives.
J.K. Rowling won the hearts of millions of children, teens, and even adults with her Harry Potter series. Now one of the richest women on Earth, no one would expect her to be like so many other women out there. No one would expect her to have started out as a poor, working, and very depressed, single mom. After separating from her first husband, Rowling was living in a cramped apartment with her baby daughter. Her apartment had only been afforded through a friend who offered to help her financially. After so long, alone and depressed, Rowling realized what her depression was doing to her, and she sought help.
This article matters to me because I know so many people who are suicidal. J.K. Rowling was depressed, but she was willing to admit it. She was willing to get help. So many of my friends had to have help thrust upon them (at which point they don't see it as help, only an invasion of privacy). I know how hard it is to live with depression (two of my sisters were diagnosed with it), and I know it is hard to seek help, to admit that there is "something wrong" with you. However, perhaps if more people had something, or someone to keep them firmly planted on the ground, maybe more people like J.K. Rowling would come out and find the help they need.
This article matters to the world because so many teens do suffer from depression. Most don't seek help for it, because they don't see anything wrong with it. Indeed, at our fragile age, we often feel low and lonely, but so often, that feeling of sadness gets out of hand. What brought Rowling back to the real world was the fact that she had a daughter to care for, and baby who needed her. Rowling had something to fight back with, something to fight of the depression.
Even though Rowling was older than my friends, and indeed many teens who have suicidal thoughts, she still sends a message. So many times, we only see the bad. Rowling saw the blessing in her life; she saw her daughter, and it helped her through her depression. If only more young people could see the blessings in their lives, perhaps less would commit suicide, and more would seek help. Although, as far as we know, Rowling never actually tried to commit suicide, she still serves as a role model for depressed teens seeking the light in their own lives.
Friday, March 28, 2008
PLN 5
Every year, thousands of children go missing. Some are never found, some are found dead, but some are found alive and in the oddest of places. CNN's Toddler rescued after 27 hours in well talks about one Indian girl named Vandana who was found in a well outside of New Delhi after being trapped at the bottom of it for 27 hours.
This toddler’s story relates to the world because Vandana was reported as having been the sixth child to fall into a well or uncovered pit in the last two years in India. So many times, children go missing, and either are never found, or are found too late. Often times, these children aren’t even noticed as being missing. So often, no one even searches for lost children, because they caused problems in their families financially, and it is easier not to bother looking. It is such a relief when children are found and returned to loving families after ordeals like this.
This article matters to me because I believe Vandana’s story was a small miracle. She had been in the 45 ft deep well for 27 hours without food water, or fresh air. When She was found, Vandana was calm, and more importantly conscience, which made it much easier to help her. Though the girl probably suffered from dehydration, doctors reported her health as normal, which is a miracle in itself. Many people (myself included) would probably not be in such good shape after spending the night in a pit, with no food, water, or good, clean, oxygen.
My English class read Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. The narrator, Rueben described miracles as things that were meant to bug you. True miracles made your skin crawl; they scare you. Hearing Vandana’s story scared me. It made me realize how dangerous life is for small children in third world countries. However, I find relief in the fact that there are still so many children out there like Vandana who get help in time, and make it out, unscarred.
This toddler’s story relates to the world because Vandana was reported as having been the sixth child to fall into a well or uncovered pit in the last two years in India. So many times, children go missing, and either are never found, or are found too late. Often times, these children aren’t even noticed as being missing. So often, no one even searches for lost children, because they caused problems in their families financially, and it is easier not to bother looking. It is such a relief when children are found and returned to loving families after ordeals like this.
This article matters to me because I believe Vandana’s story was a small miracle. She had been in the 45 ft deep well for 27 hours without food water, or fresh air. When She was found, Vandana was calm, and more importantly conscience, which made it much easier to help her. Though the girl probably suffered from dehydration, doctors reported her health as normal, which is a miracle in itself. Many people (myself included) would probably not be in such good shape after spending the night in a pit, with no food, water, or good, clean, oxygen.
My English class read Peace Like a River by Leif Enger. The narrator, Rueben described miracles as things that were meant to bug you. True miracles made your skin crawl; they scare you. Hearing Vandana’s story scared me. It made me realize how dangerous life is for small children in third world countries. However, I find relief in the fact that there are still so many children out there like Vandana who get help in time, and make it out, unscarred.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
PLN 4
Every parent wants the best for their child. Even children born with disabilities deserve the best their parents can give. However, what happens when a couple's desire to make their disabled daughter happy turns into a desire to play God? In CNN's Disabled girl's parents defend growth-stunting treatment by Amy Burkholder, Ashley's sad story is told.
Ashley was born with cerebral palsy and would only ever have the brain capacity of a six-month-old. Her parents (who remain anonymous) loved and cared for her despite the severe brain damage. Things turned bad when her parents decided that her brain wouldn’t be the only thing that never matured. At age six, Ashley’s parents had Washington doctors perform a hysterectomy breast surgery, and inject high amounts of estrogen into her body to prevent her from ever growing up.
This article matters to the world because Ashley’s parents now want to make it legal for other families with children like Ashley to undergo the same operation. Many call this an outrage, perverse, and disgusting. Ashley’s parents stated, “ this would make it easier to cuddle and carry a child who can do little more than lie propped up on a pillow.” Is it fair that Ashley will never grow, never have her period, never grow breasts, never be a woman simply because her parents thought it would be easier for them to cuddle her? There are hundreds if not thousands of "pillow children" as those like Ashley are called who are just fine without this operation. It is not fair to play God with this girl's life. It is true, Ashley will never have children, nor will she get married, but does that make it right to rob her of her right as a living, breathing human being to grow up whole?
This article matters to me because of how Ashley's parents have restricted her. Having worked with disabled children last year, I know what they can be capable of if we let them try. I helped a boy with severe autism learn animals and phrases in Spanish, and even a year later, he recalls them. My fellow students helped a young girl with spinal bifidia and other mental disabilities learn how to speak quite well in sign language. Given the chance, even the most impaired are capable of great things. It is true, children like Ashley may never be great successes, may never go to the moon, write a best-selling novel, or even walk on their own, but as Anne Radar, one 43 year-old woman with cerebral palsy put it, "it's dehumanizing" to take away a child's right to even age like every other human on the planet.
"The parents are not seeing the potential of the child; they are seeing a baby," says Radar. Yes, Ashley's brain may never mature to anything older than that of a six-month-old, but is it fair to take away the chance for her body to do so?
So, my fellow bloggers, my fellow humans, what do you think?
Ashley was born with cerebral palsy and would only ever have the brain capacity of a six-month-old. Her parents (who remain anonymous) loved and cared for her despite the severe brain damage. Things turned bad when her parents decided that her brain wouldn’t be the only thing that never matured. At age six, Ashley’s parents had Washington doctors perform a hysterectomy breast surgery, and inject high amounts of estrogen into her body to prevent her from ever growing up.
This article matters to the world because Ashley’s parents now want to make it legal for other families with children like Ashley to undergo the same operation. Many call this an outrage, perverse, and disgusting. Ashley’s parents stated, “ this would make it easier to cuddle and carry a child who can do little more than lie propped up on a pillow.” Is it fair that Ashley will never grow, never have her period, never grow breasts, never be a woman simply because her parents thought it would be easier for them to cuddle her? There are hundreds if not thousands of "pillow children" as those like Ashley are called who are just fine without this operation. It is not fair to play God with this girl's life. It is true, Ashley will never have children, nor will she get married, but does that make it right to rob her of her right as a living, breathing human being to grow up whole?
This article matters to me because of how Ashley's parents have restricted her. Having worked with disabled children last year, I know what they can be capable of if we let them try. I helped a boy with severe autism learn animals and phrases in Spanish, and even a year later, he recalls them. My fellow students helped a young girl with spinal bifidia and other mental disabilities learn how to speak quite well in sign language. Given the chance, even the most impaired are capable of great things. It is true, children like Ashley may never be great successes, may never go to the moon, write a best-selling novel, or even walk on their own, but as Anne Radar, one 43 year-old woman with cerebral palsy put it, "it's dehumanizing" to take away a child's right to even age like every other human on the planet.
"The parents are not seeing the potential of the child; they are seeing a baby," says Radar. Yes, Ashley's brain may never mature to anything older than that of a six-month-old, but is it fair to take away the chance for her body to do so?
So, my fellow bloggers, my fellow humans, what do you think?
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
PLN 3
Cruelty in any case is generally frowned upon in the modern world. Apparently, one marine who was stationed in Iraq didn't get the message. Video appears to show Marine abusing puppy by CNN.com talks about how one marine, who has not been identified, was taped throwing a black and white puppy over the edge of a cliff.
This article matters to the world because of the image it sends. This man (we are assuming it was a man) was a U.S. marine. Not only has he made himself look like a monster, but he has given marines a bad name. U.S. marines are supposed to be men and women who we can look upon in times of danger. Marines are suppose to be portrayed as heroes, but now, many might see them only as monsters. After viewing the shocking You Tube video (which is not online anymore, so don't bother looking) it is a little hard to look at marines with respect anymore.
This article relates to me because this is in fact, a crime of animal abuse. Recently, our English class did a group project where we created Public Service Announcements. My group discussed animal abuse. Not only this, but as a young puppy, my own dog was abuse by her breeder. This marine threw a young dog off a cliff like it was a rotting banana. Unused, unloved, he sent it away, without a thought.
I have always had a respect for the brave men and women who fight to protect this country. I am proud to have so many people fighting for my freedom. However, the act this man committed is completely deplorable and brings shame to all marines.
This article matters to the world because of the image it sends. This man (we are assuming it was a man) was a U.S. marine. Not only has he made himself look like a monster, but he has given marines a bad name. U.S. marines are supposed to be men and women who we can look upon in times of danger. Marines are suppose to be portrayed as heroes, but now, many might see them only as monsters. After viewing the shocking You Tube video (which is not online anymore, so don't bother looking) it is a little hard to look at marines with respect anymore.
This article relates to me because this is in fact, a crime of animal abuse. Recently, our English class did a group project where we created Public Service Announcements. My group discussed animal abuse. Not only this, but as a young puppy, my own dog was abuse by her breeder. This marine threw a young dog off a cliff like it was a rotting banana. Unused, unloved, he sent it away, without a thought.
I have always had a respect for the brave men and women who fight to protect this country. I am proud to have so many people fighting for my freedom. However, the act this man committed is completely deplorable and brings shame to all marines.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
PLN 2
Though the rate of teen deaths killed in car crashes has dropped by more than a third, too many are still dying on the road. It doesn't take a genius to discover where all these deaths come from. Teen deaths in vehicular accidents are due to one main factor: not buckling up. State laws drive down teen-motorist deaths by Kieran Nicholson of the Denver Post talks about how if more teens buckled up, less would die on the road. This article also talks about how state officials have started creating more serious punishments for drivers and passengers who are not buckled up.
This article matters because it concerns the future. Though less teens are dying on the road, 43 died in Colorado alone last year. Teenagers do not realize how dangerous cars can be, and they never realize that they might die on their way home from school. If the adults of the future continue on this path, how will it look in 20 years. If teens aren't taught how to take care of themselves on the road, how can they be expected to teach their children? If they can't even buckle up themselves, where will their children learn to?
This article matters to me because as I am in highschool, most of my fellow students drive. It is frightening to know that teenagers my age die every day simply because they didn't buckle up. Our school even has a sign near the parking lot that says Buckle up-somebody out there needs you! It never regesters in a teen's mind that not buckling up might cost them their life. I will be driving soon (granted I get my permit) and I always buckled up as a child, and have no intention of changing my habits now. However, many young people my age do not take buckling up as seriously. Atleast one student who attended my school died in a car accident, hence the sign near the parking lot. I don't understand how students can see signs like ours, or hear stories like so many others, and not see how important it is to buckle up.
This article matters because it concerns the future. Though less teens are dying on the road, 43 died in Colorado alone last year. Teenagers do not realize how dangerous cars can be, and they never realize that they might die on their way home from school. If the adults of the future continue on this path, how will it look in 20 years. If teens aren't taught how to take care of themselves on the road, how can they be expected to teach their children? If they can't even buckle up themselves, where will their children learn to?
This article matters to me because as I am in highschool, most of my fellow students drive. It is frightening to know that teenagers my age die every day simply because they didn't buckle up. Our school even has a sign near the parking lot that says Buckle up-somebody out there needs you! It never regesters in a teen's mind that not buckling up might cost them their life. I will be driving soon (granted I get my permit) and I always buckled up as a child, and have no intention of changing my habits now. However, many young people my age do not take buckling up as seriously. Atleast one student who attended my school died in a car accident, hence the sign near the parking lot. I don't understand how students can see signs like ours, or hear stories like so many others, and not see how important it is to buckle up.
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