Follow Us to Africa!

The fourth graders have each chosen a country in Africa to research.  While we can't actually take a field trip to the continent of Africa, the students have really gotten a feel for their countries via the Internet and books from our library.  I set up a class blog for the students to use as a springboard for their research, so it has been a lot of fun introducing the students to the world of blogs!  Miss Brown, how easy is it to make one of these things?  Can we post on this next year when we're fifth graders?!

We have also talked about some tough issues like apartheid, poverty, and malaria.  We've also tuned into the news about unrest in Libya and Egypt (northern Africa).  The students struggle to wrap their minds around the injustice, tragedy, and violence of these issues:  How could white people think they are better than blacks?  Why is there so much disease in Africa?  Why is there so much fighting?

Through this social studies unit, my students are realizing the importance of praying for these complicated circumstances in Africa.  Moreover, they have decided to give their money to help the cause of the Africans!  In the next six weeks, the students and I will be saving our money to give to WorldVision for the purchase of mosquito nets.  The fourth graders are ready to make a difference -- and I'm thrilled to be along for the ride!