Obama to address Nation’s Children
Seriously. He’s going to do a satellite TV thing and talk directly to all kindergarten through sixth-graders while they are at school.
The Department of Education, of course, has a few suggestions about how best to focus the young darlings… I now present to you, in it’s entirety, their missive.
PreK-6 Menu of Classroom Activities: President Obama’s Address to Students Across America
Produced by Teaching Ambassador Fellows, U.S. Department of Education
September 8, 2009
Before the Speech:
- Teachers can build background knowledge about the President of the United States and his speech by reading books about presidents and Barack Obama and motivate students by asking the following questions:
Who is the President of the United States?
What do you think it takes to be President?
To whom do you think the President is going to be speaking?
Why do you think he wants to speak to you?
What do you think he will say to you?
- Teachers can ask students to imagine being the President delivering a speech to all of the students in the United States. What would you tell students? What can students do to help in our schools? Teachers can chart ideas about what they would say.
- Why is it important that we listen to the President and other elected officials, like the mayor, senators, members of congress, or the governor? Why is what they say important?
During the Speech:
- As the President speaks, teachers can ask students to write down key ideas or phrases that are important or personally meaningful. Students could use a note-taking graphic organizer such as a Cluster Web, or students could record their thoughts on sticky notes. Younger children can draw pictures and write as appropriate. As students listen to the speech, they could think about the following:
What is the President trying to tell me?
What is the President asking me to do?
What new ideas and actions is the President challenging me to think about?
- Students can record important parts of the speech where the President is asking them to do something. Students might think about: What specific job is he asking me to do? Is he asking anything of anyone else? Teachers? Principals? Parents? The American people?
- Students can record any questions they have while he is speaking and then discuss them after the speech. Younger children may need to dictate their questions.
After the Speech:
- Teachers could ask students to share the ideas they recorded, exchange sticky notes or stick notes on a butcher paper poster in the classroom to discuss main ideas from the speech, i.e. citizenship, personal responsibility, civic duty.
- Students could discuss their responses to the following questions:
What do you think the President wants us to do?
Does the speech make you want to do anything?
Are we able to do what President Obama is asking of us?
What would you like to tell the President?
- Teachers could encourage students to participate in the Department of Education’s “I Am What I Learn” video contest. On September 8th the Department will invite K-12 students to submit a video no longer than 2 min, explaining why education is important and how their education will help them achieve their dreams. Teachers are welcome to incorporate the same or a similar video project into an assignment. More details will be released via www.ed.gov.
Extension of the Speech: Teachers can extend learning by having students
- Create posters of their goals. Posters could be formatted in quadrants or puzzle pieces or trails marked with the labels: personal, academic, community, country. Each area could be labeled with three steps for achieving goals in those areas. It might make sense to focus on personal and academic so community and country goals come more readily.
- Write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president. These would be collected and redistributed at an appropriate later date by the teacher to make students accountable to their goals.
- Write goals on colored index cards or precut designs to post around the classroom.
- Interview and share about their goals with one another to create a supportive community.
- Participate in School wide incentive programs or contests for students who achieve their goals.
- Write about their goals in a variety of genres, i.e. poems, songs, personal essays.
- Create artistic projects based on the themes of their goals.
- Graph student progress toward goals.
I have no words. There is absolutely no part of this that does not sound creepy, and had I children I would keep them out of school that day.
[...] Barack Obama will give a speech to America’s students on Monday Tuesday, September 8. The Department of Education has posted instructional materials to [...]
Pingback by Patterico’s Pontifications » Obama’s Speech to Students — 9/1/2009 @ 7:06 pm
This is troubling on so many levels, one hardly knows where to begin. With that, it so neatly misses the elephant in the room with regard to public education and the dismal performance of certain ethnic groups. Until someone in power honestly confronts it, this sort of unicorn and rainbow changiness will just keep being slapped on the problem like a band-aid that never sticks.
The other aspect of this is the extreme focus on the government’s role. The parents are excluded. I was happy to see it so clearly expressed,
I wouldn’t have such a problem with the Department of Education were this presented in a non-Orwellian fashion. Oh yes, it is, as the lesson plan directs, to listen to what the president, the mayor, et al. says, to respect their “authoritah” , but there is no emphasis in here on why the president and other elected officials should listen to US. The focus is solely on authority. There is no consideration given to the authority of the American people. That’s what concerns me.
There is this mindset that those in Washington are the “elite,” that we should mind our Ps and Qs and blindly follow their directives. That’s not the manner of governance upon which this country was founded – it is quite the opposite; even the hobbyist Constitutional aficionado appreciates this.
Comment by Dana — 9/1/2009 @ 7:18 pm
Yeah, I really can’t even think of a way that doesn’t make this creepy. I’m just stunned by it.
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 9/1/2009 @ 7:38 pm
I wouldn’t be surprised to see some left-leaning teachers schedule tests for 9/8 (before and/or after Obama’s speech) to discourage students from skipping.
Comment by DRJ — 9/1/2009 @ 7:52 pm
Schedule tests on 9/8 to short circuit the right of parents to keep their kids from seeing being ‘educated’ by a political party?
Sounds ridiculous, but I think it’s probably true. Someone out there is going to pull that stunt, even though it’s so early in the year.
I also suspect some teachers out there will test the material of this speech and assign projects based on it.
for sure, he will talk about all the things he’s doing on the kid’s behalf like saving them from climate change and cool cars, but forget to thank the kids for paying dearly for his policies he’s bribing the adults with.
Comment by Juan — 9/1/2009 @ 8:35 pm
Ask the children to try to identify all the lies, misrepresentations, and gimmicks that he will use to trick them.
Comment by Sabba Hillel — 9/2/2009 @ 12:38 pm
There is absolutely nothing “creepy” about it. This man was trusted enough by people to be elected to the highest office in the United States. Why should people be so closed minded that they would not even let their children watch or listen to the speech? I’m sure a lot of schools broadcast the speeches that George Bush made in response to “911″ and the “war on terror” without batting an eyelash. This is part of history and should not be censored. At least give him a chance to speak.
Comment by Jeannette Gonzales — 9/2/2009 @ 2:05 pm
LOL, so now, if you don’t repeat what the government tells you to, it’s censorship, Jeannette?
That’s ridiculous.
this is creepy because Obama has ordered all schools to stop teaching and give out his message. And creepier because it’s going to be a political message. And creepier still because Obama is asking kids to explain why what the government says is important, etc. It’s completely unprecedented. Ordinarily, the prez will say ‘don’t do drugs’ once in a while, but he won’t shut down all school in the nation just to give a huge speech.
I love how Obama’s the one being oppressed. Poor guy. And how schools even teaching about the war on terrorism is somehow equivalent.
why should be control what their kid’s hear? Because they are parents. That’s their freaking right and duty. They have every reason to see this speech before they decide if it’s so great it should take away their kids school time. It’s not. If Obama put this on youtube and asked parents to show their kids what he was saying, very few would. So he forces his message.
The schools do not belong to Obama. he is not our king. He should have absolutely no power over our schools except to prevent federal crimes.
Comment by Juan — 9/2/2009 @ 2:17 pm
Jeannette, I did’nt vote for Obama and millions of other Americans did the same. We are still a country divided and our president has done nothing he promised to unite us! My child will not be in school on the 8th as she already gets alot of the political veiws from the left every day that she attends! They program marxist ideologies and I reprogram capitalism when she comes home. God Bless this country and save us from those who want to recreate it because they hate it!!!!
Comment by William — 9/2/2009 @ 4:07 pm
Get ready America. This fool is in full brainwash mode. In 1932, ten million German youths were recruited as the Reich Committee of German Youth Associations of which 107,956 came to be called the Hitler youths. Seven years later this became the backbone of the Third Reich. As for me and my family, we will staying home on Sept. 8 and praying for the country.
Unbelievable.
Comment by Brian C — 9/2/2009 @ 5:17 pm
Yes, you great thundering moron, and mow more than half the country doesn’t trust him. In 7 months he’s managed a truly amazing feat.
Because some people have a problem with forced indoctrination involving “Ask yourself what you can do to help the president achieve his goals”.
News flash, dipshit – at this point his major goals are things most Americans don’t want. You can bet your ass that means people don’t want their kids to be part of a captive audience who’s comments and responses will end up as grade items or comments on a report card…
Though if my kid got sent home with a note saying “Refused to participate in a ‘Team-building for the President’ event”, I would probably buy them a car, regardless of their age.
See, I’m a libertarian. I have a problem with shit like this.
You’re right, and it was because there had just been a massive attack on US soil that resulted in thousands of deaths. President Obama’s biggest crisis is that he can’t get enough DEMOCRATS to fall in line to pass bills through congress. He’s got the majorities, so why can’t he get it done? He doesn’t need a single republican’s vote, so why isn’t he doing as he wishes, if the majority elected him?
Unless, perhaps, he senses that the political winds – which dominate the decision-making process of all politicians to some degree, but make up the larger part of such a process for democrats – have shifted and now the public, those wretched masses of plebeians and peasants, is against his efforts to make health care in the image of such fine institutions like the United Postal Service.
I can’t imagine why people don’t like the idea of that.
Though since so many party leaders consider the Town Hall protesters and Tea Party Rally attendees to be terrorists, I guess this does make sense.
Parents opting to remove their child from school so as to avoid this idiocy is not, in fact, censorship.
You fuck-wit.
The President is in possession of the most powerful bully-pulpit in the country. They have attacked and threatened share and bond holders of GM into agreeing to deals that fucked them, and awarded a group that held less stock and bond in the auto companies (unions, natch). They can say whatever they like.
Freedom of speech doesn’t mean I have to listen. I am quite free to walk away and ignore your retarded words if I so God Damn choose.
This is still a country where I have the power to decide what my children listen to. The State does not – yet – have the power to over-ride my wishes in that regard.
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 9/2/2009 @ 5:20 pm
You know, you could have just boiled it down to that, if you wanted.
Comment by Juan — 9/2/2009 @ 6:29 pm
Yeah, but I needed to vent…
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 9/2/2009 @ 6:33 pm
[...] Patterico analyzed the Department of Education’s suggested lessons and the result was a clear, disturbing, and deliberate attempt to indoctrinate our children in the [...]
Pingback by PoliGazette » President Entitled to Indoctrinate Children? — 9/2/2009 @ 7:26 pm
[...] Patterico analyzed the Department of Education’s suggested lessons and the result was a clear, disturbing, and deliberate attempt to indoctrinate our children in the [...]
Pingback by Black Shards, In Your Eyes, Blinding » President Entitled to Indoctrinate Children? — 9/2/2009 @ 7:29 pm
No lie, I still find it freaking awesome when I get a ping/trackback
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 9/2/2009 @ 7:35 pm
I agree that it is scary and to much like socialism how Obama is going to indoctrinate our children without the parents permission. This year I started to homeschool my 9 and 12 year old. It is a great experience and my kids are learning more with one on one attention. I didn’t realize until now how schools are promoting socialism. I never ever would have imagined myself homeschooling but I am encouraging everyone to homeschool. With the curriculum that is out there it isn’t hard or time consumming to homeschool. My kids have better attitudes and surprisingly make up their own book reports and projects above and beyond all the work I give them to do. The tv and playstation are hardly ever on but they are happier and enjoy the “academy and assignments”. School has a bad connotation so we don’t call it that. I am truly shocked at how much we as a family love homeschooling and the benefits of it.
Comment by Sam S. — 9/2/2009 @ 7:49 pm
Yes, this is truly alarming!!! On September 8th the Department will invite K-12 students to submit a video no longer than 2 min, explaining why education is important and how their education will help them achieve their dreams. How DARE the Government tell our children to work hard and learn to THINK! Let’s keep them home where we can keep their world perspective limited!!!
Comment by whoooooo87 — 9/4/2009 @ 5:00 am
As a teacher of Government class, which is required for a diploma, I am planning on having students watch the speech and then use their critical thinking skills to identufy the pros and cons of the message. I will allow them to read others’ criticisms and objections. I will not ask them to endorse it blindly. We will make a list of pros and cons to demonstrate that this country is a democracy. It is my job to teach them how to think, not tell them what to think.
If the basic message is, indeed, to study hard, take responsibility for their own education, and become informed citizens, I agree with it.
As a teacher, I know that we teach kids plenty of biased information in many formats, but I want my students to recognize that as well. I will not be using the suggested assignments without modifying them to be more balanced.
I have already been notified than some of my students’ parents do not want them to view the speech. That is their right as parents and I will provide those students with alternate assignments and I will NOT ostracize them for it. I will not call anyone names for what they believe in. Again, that is another example of democracy in action.
I believe that I have many colleagues who will do the same for their students.
As a parent, I will be asking my daughter to share with me what her teacher(s) did with the speech and I will take the opportunity to share my own beliefs with her at that time. Parents should always be involved in and aware of what their children are being taught at school.
Comment by LB — 9/4/2009 @ 10:28 am
As a teacher I have always been taught not to show any video to students unless I have previewed it.Are there plans for the educators of this country to preview this video?
Comment by BonnieC. — 9/4/2009 @ 3:50 pm
I don’t think there were any preview plans but given the response, it’s my understanding the Obama Administration announced today that it will post the speech on the White House website Monday.
Comment by DRJ — 9/4/2009 @ 5:15 pm
I recently watched a great movie called “Swing Kids”. Good job of showing how a group of youth, against naziism, can be sucked in to the fold through propaganda and indoctrination. Sure, its an extreme example of indoctrination but whats been happening here in this country over the last century has been so subtle, that many of us have slowly been “convinced” that all is OK.
Comment by SeaDog — 9/5/2009 @ 2:09 pm
Give me a break. I am a 5th grade history teacher and mother and I am glad for once that someone who is well educated and well versed is able to look at our kids in the face and say listen to your elders and learn from them, stay in school and create your own future. Whether you voted for the man or not at least someone is even addressing the issue because frankly, I have seen enough Paris Hiltons, Brittany Spears and the like influencing our kids today. Maybe someone should have said it to those of you who obviously live to overcomplicate the simple!
Comment by Robin — 9/7/2009 @ 6:44 pm
Truly, Robin has drank deep from the Koolaid…
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 9/7/2009 @ 6:46 pm
[...] itself was rather benign in most respects. The Administration fortunately revised it’s original lesson plan, which featured such Orwellian gems as, “Are we able to do what President Obama is asking of [...]
Pingback by Obama’s speech to students : Texas Conservative — 9/8/2009 @ 2:42 pm
Mr. Jacobs,
You are a truly sad and bitter individual. My comments were heartfelt and sincere. You had no right to trash my comments or use that kind of language to “put me in my place”. I certainly hope that you are not a parent. If so, I feel very sorry for your children. I am an elementary school teacher and I am truly ashamed and sorry that the superintendent of our school district decided that we could not show the speech because he was concerned about backlash from unreasonable people like you. He did preview it and felt that it was along the lines of what all districts should be encouraging. Freedom of speech is just that- no one can force you to believe something that you apparently don’t believe. However, it is censorship to refuse to listen to the ideas of someone who has been voted as the leader of our country. As far as the war goes, we now know that we were not given the entire truth about it, but that is besides the point. American parents were never asked if we wanted this to be a part of our child’s education. It is a part of history and so is the fact that an American President wanted to give some words of advice to the children of his country. I far as I can tell it is a lot more proactive than simply calling yourself “the Education President” and then enacting mindless legislation like “Leave No Child Behind”. Notice that I did not have to use “four letter words” or sling insults to try to get my point across. I think you should go back to school Mr. Jacobs, so you can learn how to communicate in a way that you don’t have to resort to garbage slinging.
Comment by Jeannette Gonzales — 9/21/2009 @ 2:57 pm
wow! ((Jeanette)) I totally agree with you; anything that has came out of Jacobs mouth has been garbage!!!!!!! How is he goeing to sit there and downgrade the PRESIDENT OF THE U.S.,while he sounds like a loser!!!!
Comment by angelica o. — 9/26/2009 @ 3:41 pm
Couldn’t be happier, actually. The “bitter” part, however, I’ll cop to.
Your comments are insane and delusional. The outrage over the address to students and the associated lesson plan was entirely appropriate. I have no problem with Obama talking to students, but I refuse to have their day centered around “how can we help him” and “Write down important phrases” and “What did it mean to you”. It is complete balderdash to think that – at least at the level of the NEA – this was seen as a chance to teach kids how awesome the President is. That is absolutely not the job of the schools in any way, shape, or form. I don’t want the schools teaching any kids that whatever President is in power is “the bestest ever”. You want your kids filled with the empty promise of Hope and Change, feel free to do it at your own home. Leave my kid out of it.
Fuck you, bitch. I have every fucking right to speak however I God Damn please. Don’t like it? Tough titty, kitty. I’m unaware of anyone holding a gun to your head.
Hey, who knows. I could have 3 or 4 running around for all I know.
Worry about your own God Damn kids, I’ll worry about me and my family… You know, the way things are supposed to be, without all sorts of bullshit from an overly-powerful, increasingly invasive government telling me what I can and can’t do, what I can and can’t buy, etc etc etc.
*rolls his eyes, and looks to the Heavens for respite from your fanaticism*
Great. Good for him. A lot of people disagree, which is OK… Or do you think that it is wrong to disagree?
Jesus, you’re a teacher? Fuck a duck lady, that is NOT what freedom of speech means. Freedom of speech means the government can’t shut you up just because they don’t like or agree with what you have to say. There isn’t a God Damn thing about “belief” in there.
What? You mean it is censorship to choose to not watch something? Are you even fucking aware of what the word “censorship” means? Seriously, lady… Look up the god damn word, and show me where it is even remotely possible for the citizenry to censor the federal government. Besides, for someone who holds Freedom of Speech so dear, you sure don’t like me using my freedom of speech. I would almost call that ironic, but frankly I have long come to expect that from the deep left.
You haven’t read the authorization for war that passed through congress, have you. I say that because you appear completely ignorant of the LIST of reasons we went into Iraq. I’d also point out that, long before Bush came to office, a litany of Dems (Pelosi, Reid, and Hillary among others) talked about how Iraq was a threat to national security. That crafty Bush, he tricked Dems while still Governor of Texas. Damn he’s good.
So… You’re objecting to the Iraq War being part of US history? You think we should vote on what we include? Is this a blanket policy? Can I move we opt out of the Carter years, because those 4 years depress the shit outta me.
Probably should have waited till all the schools were in session then. Usually that helps. Or just record it, and leave it to school districts when and how to show it. That works too…
Yeah, because lecturing students is a sure fire way to get a message to them. Bet you think DARE worked too.
What, do you want a fucking cookie? I don’t give two shits what words you use. I’m both angered and annoyed, and have chosen words both vulgar and profane to shock and hold your attention. Also, I’ve started to wonder if you could comprehend long, difficult words, so they help me make sure my message gets through.
I’m more than capable of speaking and writing with more florid prose if I choose, and if I deem the subject worthy of my time and effort.
Guess what, sister… You ain’t on that list.
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 9/27/2009 @ 4:24 am
For starters, I would begin by using “going”, not “goeing”. Second, I would probably sit back in my chair all the way, so that I might enjoy the lovely support my chair provides.
It really is quite comfortable.
Third, I would compose lines the expressed my opinion in clear and unambiguous language which – unless I missed a day of notes – I am entitled to do as a citizen of this fine nation. I am allowed, some would even say encouraged, to disagree with the leaders of my government.
I’ll give you an example:
“I can’t fucking stand Obama. I think he is a shitty president, and he’s going to fuck this country up with his complete ineptitude.”
See? Easy.
Comment by Scott Jacobs — 9/27/2009 @ 4:29 am