Teacher view: Ms. Stanbro
When I first read Three Cups of Tea I was struck by Greg Mortenson’s resourcefulness. He decided that he wanted to build a school in Korphe and he went out and did it. He didn’t have a degree in education administration. He didn’t know about building things. He didn’t have a bunch of friends that had lots of money to give. He just wanted to build a school for these people. He lived out of his car and kept persevering until he made this dream come true. I think too often we don’t pursue our own dreams because we feel we have to wait for someone to tell us it is okay, or we are good enough, or we have a certain amount of money.
Reading Three Cups of Tea changed my thinking about what is possible.
Did this book change your thinking?
Good Reads | Comment (0)Student views: Amelia
Can you believe that some kids live miles from the nearest school? Sibusiso from South America had to walk a couple miles alone and then a few more miles with many kids! How do you get to school? Most kids in the USA walk, take the bus, or carpool. Many girls around the world don’t get to go to school. In Abu Sir, Egypt it’s the boys who don’t go to school. Some schools are so small that on some days there is no teacher! Even though we don’t realize it, many kids like us have dreams that they can’t reach : ( Many children want to become doctors or lawyers. In the USA we grow up deciding what we’re going to be, and then we fulfill our dream but some kids can’t just because they don’t have money or their family needs them. What do you think should be done about making sure kids get an education and/or a job to earn a living?
Amelia
Good Reads | Comment (1)Barriers to Education
What are some barriers to children getting an education around the world?
Good Reads | Comments (3)School in Afghanistan and Pakistan
We have been reading about and viewing videos about school for the children in Pakistan and Afghanistan, particularly those living in mountainous regions.
Check out this video: http://www.pearsonfoundation.org/penniesforpeacetoolkit/videos/video-school.html
What are some of the ways you have notices school is different? What are some similiarities?
Good Reads | Comments (4)The Giver–Sameness
The community of The Giver values “sameness.” They have a controlled climate; they have no hills; they only see in black and white; their children all go through the same stages, etc. Jonas, however, has been chosen to be the Receiver for the community. He will be the only person in this position. He is set apart and now different from the rest.
How do you think Jonas is feeling? What must it be like to be different from everyone else in this community? Would you like to be set apart and different from your community?
Ms. Stanbro
Good Reads | Comments (4)The Giver–Second Meeting
Today’s blog will be about the community that Lois Lowry invented. How is the community different from ours? How are infants and seniors cared for differently than in our society? What do you think about that? Is it better or worse than the way we do things?
Ms. Stanbro
Good Reads | Comments (5)The Giver–Chapter One
This is our first official meeting on The Giver and our first time blogging at school. What I will do on this blog is to write a question or comment that relates to our reading and then have each of you respond. What I would really like to happen, is for us to begin to respond to each other’s comments and begin an online conversation.
So to get us started, here is the first question:
Jonas comes to understand in this first chapter that he is feeling “apprehensive.” Why does he feel that way? Further, does this first chapter make you feel apprehensive? Why?
Ms. Stanbro
Good Reads | Comments (8)Ready, Set, Go. . .
Let kids know about the books you like to read!
This is where you can let other Skillin kids know about great books to read. All you have to do is post a comment here. There are just a few “rules” to get you started:
1. Never write your last name on a post. Just leave your first name and your grade.
2. Write the title of the book! The author would be great too, but not required.
3. Write at least three sentences about your book. Don’t just write, “I loved it” or “Cool book.” Include some juicy details that will get other kids interested.
4. Check that spelling and punctuation or I will have to send it back to you for revisions. 
