6-Word-Stories -- War in the Congo

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2009/12/09/world/20091209CONGO_6.html

After reading the story and seeing the picture on the link above - here were the best of the best.

• Want to get out of here.
• Homeless-Helpless-Needing-Wanting-Wordless-Lonely
• They are sad; we could help.
• We aren't supposed to be here.
• They look really sad and tired.
• Makes me feel grateful and sad.
• It's life in a refugee camp
• I feel...greedy, unthoughtful, and ungrateful
• Horrible disaster! Need help! I'm useless.
• I am angry but also relieved.
• Innocent people suffering because of war.
• Too many people; all might die.
• A small area for many people.
• Sad. Hoping for the best. Worried.
• People who need help to live.
• Why are people treated like that?
• Why? Why can't we help them?
• Hungry, tired people of the Congo.
• I...can...not...believe...my...eyes!
• Tragedy that seems will never end.
• I can't believe this still happens.

--------------------------------
Same article - Different picture

• They can get help from nurses.
• Why are we letting this happen?
• I hurt with pain all over.
• Suffering - Misfortune - Hurt - Unappreciated - Unloved - Human
• I wish I could do something.
• No home; recovers in refugee hospital.
• Feeling sad, sorry. Want to help.
• She was hurt by the soldiers.
• A girl is recovering from shooting.
• Brave little girl who is scared.
• Waiting for your help to come.
• Hurting - Sad - Angry - Scared - Frightened - Worried
• Who would shoot a little girl?
• She's sad because she has nobody.
• Help me. Love me. Save me.
• Why don't we help the girl!

-------------------------------
Same article - Third picture

• I may never get to eat.
• Will I ever have a home?
• I would die; nobody wants me.
• We are all going to die.
• Why is this happening to us?
• I'd help them if a could.
• Finding food from a garbage pile.
• Can you please help me escape?
• I could do something to help.
• Soon I would be safe...probably.
• How can people help them survive?
• Will I ever have some safety?
• Why do we have to suffer?
• What can I do to help?
• Where is the food? Huh? Where?
• Every day we have to suffer.
• Help me get out of here!
  

MY ABSOLUTE FAVORITE.  STUDENT SAID SHE WROTE THIS FROM SEEING ALL THE PICTURES.  IT HAD A "DOUBLE MEANING" TO HER.  ON ONE HAND SHE COULD NOT IMAGINE THE SUFFERING THEY ENDURE, ON THE OTHER HAND SHE WANTED TO EMPATHIZE WITH THE CHILDREN THERE.

• Can I begin to feel their pain?

I did not do this to create sympathy or create emotion.  I did this to demonstrate that our world is filled with problems and opportunities.

In the context of government and civics (our current set of standards) my students have gone well beyond what they must know for a test. My students are reaching a point of making the curriculum theirs. We are way ahead of schedule on this personal goal I set each year. 

I'm very proud of "my kids."

Posted via email from Murry's World