Speak Up!

This summer we witnessed young Iranians protesting and standing up for what they believe in, something I haven't seen since I graduated from high school in 1989 when young Chinese citizens protested their government. This summer I also participated in several gatherings at our state capitol, and spoke with my legislature about educational spending. How often though do we give students the opportunity to Speak up about what they are passionate about? Using the PBS web site www.pbskids.org/speakout/ students have the opportunity to read what other students think and believe, post their own ideas, and vote on ideas. Wouldn't be interesting to have students conduct research on how recess benefits them(or what they choose to write about), blog about their findings, respond to comments on their blog, and present their ideas in a multi-media presentation? I think it would allow students opportunity to express themselves in an authentic writing and presentation experience, and of course using the technology they love! I'm doing it this year, and very excited about what ideas they'll come up with. Watch the video and read the entries already on Speak Up. You might be surprised about what our young kids think about.
James