A Secret Message for Abused Kids (March 2014) - page 14 [6 Humility]

Have you heard or read stories about children who were abused? Have you wondered what is being done to help this group of children? Take a look at the following video


 


In "A Secret Message for Abused Kids" (page 14, What's Up March 2014), we learnt that an organisation in Spain, ANAR Foundation, is now using lenticular pictures to help children who are abused.

Lenticular pictures contain images with simple animation effect which have been a source of fun for children around the world. This is to help children who may not have access to information they need in order to seek help. These poster with lenticular pictures contain a secret message that only children can read as the special message can only be seen from the lower level.

Let's Discuss!

1. Do you think that the lenticular pictures will be effective in helping children who have been abused to get help? Why? 
2. In what other ways can society help these children? 

Let's take it a step further and put on our thinking hats!

1. What constitutes child abuse to you? Does a parent scolding a child for not doing his/her homework constitute child abuse? How about a parent who beats his/her child’s hand whenever he/she takes something that does not belong to him/her? 
2. In your opinion, what is the most effective way of disciplining children?

Giving Aid That People Need

Debate Time!

Read the article, "Giving Aid That People Need" on page 11. 

Here is P6 Faith's dilemma.... to donate in kind OR to donate in cash.... 

Please respond to this motion.

It is always better to give cash than to give donation in kind to the survivors of disasters.

                                         What do you think everyone? 

To respond, please complete one of these sentence starters:

1) We should donate in kind because ......

OR 

2) We should donate in cash because ....

Take note of the following...

1. Write in full sentences so that others can understand your comments.
2. Be persuasive by giving good reasons.
3. Proof-read and check before you submit. 
4. Please remember to leave your name and class!

Getting Ideas from Kids

In "Getting Ideas from Kids" (page 8, What's Up January 2014), we read that students at Riverside School in Ahmedabad, a city in northwest India, have a unique way of learning. For example, they do not have a fixed timetable during a school day. Instead, it is up to each child to decide what and how much he or she wants to learn daily.

In one case, students in a primary two class decided to create an audio tour for visitors of the zoo when they realised that the information found next to the animal enclosures was often too difficult for kids their age to understand. In this way, visitors to the zoo could simply put on a pair of headphones to learn more about the animals. The project taught the children the most important lesson of all, which was the realisation that they had the power to achieve almost anything they wanted.

The founder of the school, Ms Kiran Bir Sethi, believes that children should be encouraged to make their own decisions without fear. In 2009, she started a contest called the 'Design for Change Challenge'. It simply asked children to think up solutions for problems that worry them. To her delight, hundreds of children wrote in with their plans. It proved so successful that the movement has now spread all over the world, from Australia to Uruguay.

Post your comments on or more of the following questions:

1.  Do you agree with the way of learning in Riverside School? Why?

2.  What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of having such a learning in 

     Singapore?

Taking it a step further:

1. What is one thing that worries you the most?

2. Can you think of a solution to this problem that worries you?

January 2014 - What's Up!

Hi Everyone!

In "Avatar sequels will be made in New Zealand" (page 17, What's Up January 2014), we read about how the locations are an important part of movie-making. The right scenery makes the story more believable. Before they build a full-fledged movie set, they often make miniature versions to test out their ideas.

Why don't you try building one at home too?

Materials Needed

- shoe box
- glue
- scissors
- paper, clay or any other material of your choice

Instructions
1) Imagine that you are making a movie of your favourite book. Choose one scene from that story. Read it carefully so that you will have an idea of how the set should look.
2) Plan your mini movie set. Make rough sketches before your decide what you are going to build.
3) Gather the materials you want to use. You can use any material of your choice. Be as creative as possible.
4) Turn over the lid of a shoe box. Stand the box up on its sides and place it upright on the lid. Glue the box onto its lid. This will be the background of your set.
5) Paint the box with your chosen colours.
6) Add details. Work from the back of the shoe box to the front.

You have your own Mini Movie Set!

Picture from http://newgrowthstartswithgod.blogspot.sg/2011/05/mekenzeis-egypt-tomb-shoebox-project.html