So I work at this pretty wonderful non-profit called Operation P.E.A.C.E. What this looks like is I get paid to hang out with cute 7 year olds. I teach about current social issues. I also just implemented recycling in my class room.
It is pretty wonderful. Today, I was teaching the kids about landfill, to stress the importance of recycling. After I was explaining what landfill looks like and does, I showed the kids some cool stuff made from all recycled materials. Later in the day when a kid was about to throw out a can, another child shouted from across the room "No! Recycle that! We don't want that in a landfill for a hundred years!" Score.
I also explained how all the clothes on my back where recycled. That did not go over quite as well. They all thought that was gross- haaa. But later in the day, when we were walking by a dumpster full of clothes and furniture I said I wanted to take the stuff home because I could use it. At first one little girl looked like she was going to be sick- but then she blurted out "Renee, I rather that be in your apartment then in a landfill!" haahaaa- kids are cute.
A few weeks ago I taught about Indian Reservations, and next week we are making venn diagrams comparing the life of a child in the U.S. to the life of a child living in Africa. I am hoping to teach some about advertising- how to recognize an advertisement and how to be able to view them with the understanding that the goal is to make you want to buy the product being advertised.
I have been reading this book entitled "Born to Buy." It is all about advertising geared towards children, and I recommend you read it. (Even though I was informed that it was required reading for a sociology class when this boy saw it in my purse at the bar.) Most children before the age of 10 cannot tell the difference between an ad and a television show, so when kids are watching TV, they do not realize that the adds are actually trying to make them want to buy stuff. Scary. Hopefully I can have a class full of educated consumers.
I think that is all. For now :]
