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How sweet it was

Thursday, November 12, 2009

One of the things I love about Harry's school is that it is an International Baccalaureate School. It operates on a system of inquiry and the children study "planners" or topics for several weeks across all subjects. Their first planner this year was water. Harry learned everything you could imagine about water and he also learned that clean drinking water is scarce for many people around the world.

The second planner was about economics. The children learned about banking and interest and investing. They learned about business models and being entrepreneurial. Today, his class combined their knowledge of the two planners and held "disco desserts" to raise money to help build a well for a region without clean drinking water. Harry made the menus and was a waiter. Our family made truffles to contribute to the "restaurant" and they were a big hit! Some of the children prepared the desserts (we all sent some in), some were cashiers, others bussed tables or acted as host or hostess. The class raised $200 for The Water Project.


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One of the hosts and Harry's friend

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Two of Harry's buddies

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The cashiers

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Kate ate too much chocolate.



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She had to run off some of the sugar on the playground.

Kate and I had so much fun at disco desserts. It was incredible to see the kids working together and the support of the community. Unfortunately, my stomach is still very queasy so I could not eat but Kate ate my share of desserts. It was so heart warming to see these young kids care about water for children in another country. I know that when I was in third grade, I did not have a global perspective. This afternoon made me very happy to be a part of such a wonderful school community.

33 comments:

  1. This is how I used to teach, but at our school we call it thematic teaching! It's a great way to learn!

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  2. I've never heard of an IB elementary or middle school. We only have the high schools. You are so lucky! I look forward to reading more about what your children will be doing!

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  3. Looks like an AMAZING time..
    Love the photos..
    Sounds like his school is AMAZING..
    sorry you are still not feeling so well.
    Hugs..
    Hope you feel better soon...

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  4. That sounds like a fantastic school. I wish we had more like that in the U.S. Kate is darling as ever and looks so big in that last photo. I hope you are getting better.

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  5. What a great idea! We study economics in my grade level...sounds like a fun, hands on, real life (relevant) event!

    Do you know what's causing your stomach issues? I am worried about you!

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  6. You know me, I am loving Kate's hair in pigtails :)

    I love that Harry is so involved in school! And what a great cause!

    Still worried about you girl!

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  7. What an absolutely wonderful way to implement the theories that children learn in class! I love this idea!

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  8. Wow! Way to go, Harry! His school sounds fabulous!

    Hope you are feeling better soon!

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  9. Wonderful school and project! Even better, the photo of Harry and his classmates looks like the United Nations. How fabulous that he goes to school with children from diverse backgrounds.

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  10. It sounds like great lessons were learned. Our school is in the process right now of becoming an IB school. Even in our small town we too want our children to have a global perspective. All of the teachers at our school are working very hard to accomplish this.

    Blessings, glad you were feeling well enough to be out and about.

    Robin

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  11. What a wonderful idea! I love hearing stories of kids making a difference in the world! Hope you feel better soon!
    Blessings
    Kim

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  12. So fun. My DD is almost 4 and I'm considering an IBA school for her which has the added benefit of Chinese as their language. I might be checking in during this next year to pick your brain more on the ins and outs of IBA schools. I enjoy your blog. Have followed here and there over the years - and keep finding my way back.

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  13. Sounds like your children are in a wonderful school! glad of that!
    Kate is so darned cute, ))) running of the sugar high! (lol)

    So glad that you are feeling some better as well!

    Way to go Harry! you are awesome!
    what ideas!

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  14. I am quite sure that these young fellows will turn to be great citizens!!!
    I loved the project we do have similar ones here in Brazilian schools and they are great,too.
    God bless these smart kids
    MalĂș

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  15. Happy Birthday Friend!!!!!! What a great day at Harry's school! And, you are right, in third grade I had no clue about things like that. What a blessing. Just imagine what these kids will do one day!

    And, look at Miss Kate in her Pigtails!!! So SO Cute!!!!
    I love the dimple shot!

    Hugs,
    Diana

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  16. What a great day! Kate's hair looks like it is growing fast.

    Hope you are feeling better and that you have a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

    Miss you~

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  17. Hey Kim,

    Just wanted to wish you a very Happy Birthday! I hope you are feeling better and are able to celebrate this weekend.

    My sis got engaged a few weeks ago so we may be heading to Houston in the next few months. I'll let you know.

    Much love to all the peanuts,
    Lauren

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  18. I never new children could be so amazing and kind. I saw in my son yesterday when he said he cared about another child he just meet. It made me think I need to be a better person.

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  19. I know that I took clean drinking water for granted until I went to China and had to go out of my way to buy drinkable water.

    I think it is wonderful that your children are in a 'global' learning environment.

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  20. Love those pigtails flying in the wind!!

    And, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Kim!!

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  21. Thank you for sharing about what Harry's class did at school. What a wonderful thing to do!

    Happy Birthday Kim! May all your hopes and dreams come true.

    Best wishes,
    Cindy

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  22. what an adorable story! And for a great cause! you must've been so proud! Hope your tummy is all better!

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  23. Way to go kids! This is so inspiring and bravo to the teachers! This is the best way for anyone to learn!

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  24. Sounds like a fantastic school. Hope you are feeling better soon.

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  25. wow. what an amazing experience, group of kids and teacher willing to teach them kindness in this form. i've often thought that philanthropy should become part of the curriculum from early on (granted it's my job and in my blood) but i think it's so important.

    check this out ... might be another way for them to get involved. http://www.charitywater.org/schools/index.php

    happy birthday and continue to heal!

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  26. That is amazing! What a great project! I'm trying to get my boys into that same type of school for next year...we'll see.

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  27. wow!what a truly amazing idea! i wish my school did that! love it!

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  28. What a fabulous learning experience! I loved reading about Harry's project, and the pictures of Kate were (predictably) adorable!

    I'm so sorry that you are still not feeling well enough to eat. I'm worried about your weight. Can they put you on some sort of high calorie IV?

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY! And please get well soon!

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  29. Happy birthday Kim!!!! I hope you have a super day and that ALL of your birthday wishes come true!

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  30. What a GREAT school activity!!
    I am a big believer in teaching children about volunteering and the value of helping others - how great for your kids that they had this lesson in such a fun manner!

    Cute pics! :)

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  31. congratulations to Harry I forgot to say that the first thing on the water project! OH we take so much for granted! great going Harry!
    you have such determination and I am so very proud of you!

    Kim up date as you feel like it and hope that you stomach is MUCH MUCH BETTER TOO!
    Kate is so cute too!

    Remember God never puts more on us than we can bear!'
    Hugs!
    CindyLou!

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  32. that is wonderful Kim! THank you for sharing about it.
    PS
    Kate's hair looks great in piggies:):)
    Hope you are continuing to feel better!

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Thank you for your kindness.