Cate in NZ Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 An absolute first in our household. Daughter has come home from school today really excited and keen to get stuck into her RE homework. They're focussing on animal welfare issues this term, and have been looking today at testing on animals and the debate about animal testing for cosmetics and medicines, so that got her all fired up. Then the teacher asked for a show of hands about who bought free range eggs, and for comments about why people chose free range, barn or caged eggs. Immi of course chose to volunteer the fact that we never actually buy eggs, and all her friends made comments about visiting our hens and how lovely they are to cuddle............. and chase around the garden The homework is to research about the battery hen industry and to prepare an argument for or against battery hens for a class debate. We've already downloaded BHWT newsletters and she's trying to find some of our old photos from rescues. I'd love to sit in on that lesson Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One Man Banned Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 Wow that sound fantastic! It must be brilliant that something can really inspire them into action! Perhaps she could do the presentation at the next Omlet gathering! A xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted February 21, 2007 Share Posted February 21, 2007 Thats fantastic - i love it when kids are enthusiastic about leaving and sharing knowledge! If you want a picture of Flump in her jumper and before & after photos of Mojo just ask! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted February 22, 2007 Share Posted February 22, 2007 Sounds Great! Once in a science textbook, we were studying animal welfare, there was a question about why people would rather buy free-range eggs. I bet the teacher wished we missed that question. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillfamily Posted February 22, 2007 Share Posted February 22, 2007 How lovely to have exciting, interesting, enjoyable and thought provoking homework Homework in our house is rarely any of those things........or come to it, related to the current class topic. Normally just a photocopied sheet from a source book which doesn't get marked or commented on. Only now eldest is doing GCSEs does Homework seem more course related and interesting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 22, 2007 Share Posted February 22, 2007 I'd love to sit in on that lesson You could offer your expertise, Kate! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted February 22, 2007 Share Posted February 22, 2007 Oh wow! Isn't it wonderful when they have homework which excites them. Good stuff . I bet Immi will get fab marks as she's so enthusiastic about the subject. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 22, 2007 Share Posted February 22, 2007 Great news Kate - why don't you offer to take one or two of the hens in? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted February 23, 2007 Share Posted February 23, 2007 Good stuff - I wish mine got homework like that What has it got to do with RE though - would have thought it would be more science or PSHE based Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cate in NZ Posted February 23, 2007 Author Share Posted February 23, 2007 Great news Kate - why don't you offer to take one or two of the hens in? Immi thought about it, but secondary schools aren't as flexible as primary, and I think that the hens would totally disrupt the lesson She's really worked hard on this, went to speak to the teacher after school to offer suggestions, and the result is that Immi's leading the lesson with a debate about the battery hen industry. She's prepared all manner of pictures/ posters, downloaded info from BHWT & the RSPCA etc, and of course has got our photos (and a few "borrowed" ones- PM coming your way Emma ). Controversially though she's leading the debate supporting the battery hen industry because she said her class colleagues were all about pretty, fluffy hens can't keep them in cages, but still eating battery eggs and bought cakes. So she's arguing that the farmers are fulfilling a demand, British is better than imports (found some stuff about the recent foreign eggs not being free range story) and that we consumers need to change our shopping habits to force change. She's also written a letter to Hellmans and is going to pass it round after the lesson, asking her classmates to sign it if they agree with her argument. Oh, and she invited her teacher to join us on the next rescue I'm not sure what teacher's response will be, but I do hope that I can OK it with Jean I'm almost beginning to feel some sympathy for the teacher. Immi's usually quiet and a bit shy, but when she gets fired up she's a force to be reckoned with Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted February 23, 2007 Share Posted February 23, 2007 Good on her! I love it when children get fired up like that, and so will her teacher! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted February 23, 2007 Share Posted February 23, 2007 Good for Immi. Her interest and preparation will show, as will her passion. And I bet she will have made at least 30 people think very carefully about the egg industry too. I would be very proud of her if she were mine Kate! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted February 23, 2007 Share Posted February 23, 2007 She sounds fab Kate - and very strong of her to speak "for" battery farms - it would be easy as you said to go for the "fluffy cute" argument - do let us know how it all goes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carolinep Posted February 23, 2007 Share Posted February 23, 2007 Please keep us posted on this one Kate, it will be very interesting to see how many children change their minds/views on the egg industry (or even better if they go home & change their parents minds too , massive knock on effect ) Your Immi could be starting a revolution . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted February 23, 2007 Share Posted February 23, 2007 Hi Kate, Got the PM & photos have been sent. Must say the girls got quite excited they feel like they are on the verge of fame! Go Immi go!!!! :dance: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 23, 2007 Share Posted February 23, 2007 That's such good news Kate - this will be great for Immi, both in confidence and experience. Do let us know how she gets on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin B Posted February 23, 2007 Share Posted February 23, 2007 Went into English today and we are doing an identical thing. My mates and I are preparing a speech about how Battery Hen Farming should be banned. I was really excited, but I don't think my friends were! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted February 23, 2007 Share Posted February 23, 2007 They probably saw a rant coming on Hon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted February 23, 2007 Share Posted February 23, 2007 Rant away Martin - tell 'em how it is so next time they think twice when buying from the likes of KFC etc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Looney Posted February 23, 2007 Share Posted February 23, 2007 Yes you have a good ol' rant Martin Certainly sounds like interesting homework. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted February 24, 2007 Share Posted February 24, 2007 better than ox bow lakes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theherd123 Posted February 24, 2007 Share Posted February 24, 2007 Oi! I used to love Geography lessons & ox bow lakes Mel! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted February 24, 2007 Share Posted February 24, 2007 I always liked meandering rivers. Bit like my mind really............. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One Man Banned Posted February 24, 2007 Share Posted February 24, 2007 yes yes, now where were we again...... A xx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hillfamily Posted February 24, 2007 Share Posted February 24, 2007 yes yes, now where were we again...... A xx was bored the other day so had a peek at some of the first posts on this forum.........one caught my eye.......... Posted by James Topic Title - 'Please stay on topic - its much easier to follow' and that was before some meandering people had even joined Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
