Last month in school, I read a picture book, Encounter in class. I had the students answer some written questions about the text for homework. The book is about Columbus and his first day in North America. It it told from the point of view of the Taino - the people pretty much wiped off the face of the earth within fifty years of Columbus setting foot on their land.
One of the questions was:
What new thoughts or ideas do you have about Columbus and Columbus Day after reading Encounter that you didn't have before?
Girl Who Loves Sparkly Clothes gave this remarkable answer.
Before I read this book, to me, Christopher Columbus was a brave man who discovered the new world. I still do but after I read the book I think that he invaded America attracted to the riches of this land and taking over the Native Americans, the real people of America. I think we still have to celebrate Columbus Day because his discovery changed the history of the world.
This girl continues to amaze me. I love her answer. She's also the same kid who immediately knew Condoleezza Rice was after seeing her picture and knew that she was Secretary of State. When I asked her if she knew what the Secretary of State's job was, she responded, "Since George Bush is so busy doing other things that the president has to do, the Secretary of State goes all over the world and negotiates with other countries." I'm wondering how many adults know what the Secretary of State does.
This is also the same girl who last week was trying to do 30 divided by 3 as 3 divided by 30. I guess she doesn't necessarily see the big picture about everything.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Would I be right in thinking I know this girl? If so I'm delighted and not surprised. She always had this brilliant air of 'see how the men are screwing things up, us girls would be so much better at their job!" And a not very discreet admiration for powerful women such as Dr Rice.
Shows what I know: I always thought Encounter was a personal ads mag for college professor-grade slightly hippyish swingers.
"More fondue, Barbara? Why don't you come and sit between us, and slip off those Dr. Scholls? Do you like Gordon's beard, Barbara?"
That sort of thing.
mondale,
yes it is the girl you are thinking of.
Post a Comment