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While many children do not regularly watch the news, they are often exposed to it when parents are engaged in watching a news broadcast. This is a concern for many parents who feel the constant barrage of ‘bad news’ can have a negative impact on their child – and for good reasons. What happens to children who watch news reports about violent crimes, see armies fighting in the streets, or experience the excavation of trapped earthquake victims?
Recent generations grew up with 24 hour news stations, but now there are more stations carrying news 24/7 on TV, and an infinite amount of news propagated via the Internet. Adults, while sometimes getting emotional watching the news, can distance themselves from the tragedies broadcast into their living rooms, but children have not fully developed these defenses. Children need opportunities to ask questions, express concerns, and when possible take action and feel in control of the situation.
Media literacy is not a term normally associated with elementary schools, but a “Jogging for Japan” fundraiser held in Oakland, NJ incorporated the tools required to help young students deal with the reality of tragic images streaming through the television. According to the school principal Adam Silverstein, part of the event was having the students divided into groups according to grade level where the recent crisis in Japan was discussed; and, these discussions were then continued in each individual class.
The fundraising aspect at Manito Elementary School required the students to seek sponsors who donated a specified amount for each lap around the school yard they jogged. A cap of 20 laps was in place to protect donors from athletically advanced students who could potentially break the bank. They succeeded in collecting over $8,000 and winning a regional award of an additional $2000 for their efforts.
The impressive fundraising efforts by the school children amazed Silverstein who has helped the children coordinate similar events in the past. Last year the student council sponsored Hands for Haiti and raised a substantial amount, but not as large as the $10,000 raised this year for Japan.
Describing it as “children helping children”, Silverstein said the events bring a great sense of community to the school; and, they also provide an opportunity to instill the Six Pillars of Character the school promotes throughout the school year.
The funds collected in this American elementary school will be donated directly to Japan’s children through SaveTheChildren.org. The fundraiser, and it’s overwhelming success, also offer great benefit to the American children.
Additional reading:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/talk/news.html
Excellent job by the kids!