7-Year Olds and Things that Break

Ok, it's not as bad as it sounds.  But, really?!? The PTF decided it would be okay for our second graders to purchase glass items and take them home on the bus.  Isn't it a general rule that breakable things and single-digit aged human beings should not mix?

Here's the deal.  The PTF sets up a Holiday (politically correct, people) Workshop in the gymnasium for one week during December.  Each class is given a time to go down and the students can purchase crap gifts for their family/friends.  It's all cheap-o things, but the kids love it.  I do really like it too.  It gives the children a lesson in setting a budget, purchasing items, adding money, making decisions, etc.  Usually it's stuffed animals, scarves, school supplies and all those simple things.  Not this year!  We decided, apparently, that large glass items were okay to sell too.  Well, let's just say that not all of my kids "gifts" even made it out of the gymnasium.  I don't want to even think about how the bus rides went...

Aaanndd rant over.

Anyways, as a Social Studies teacher, the holidays are my favorite.  In the past, I've always done Christmas Around the World.  This year I'm working on switching it up a bit.  I'm changing it to a Holidays Around the World unit.  I think that it's important for my students (who live in a town that has very, very little diversity) to learn, not only about Christmas, but other December holidays as well.   As soon I get it together, I'll share!  I've got time, we go to school all the way up till the 23rd.  Yep, you read that right.  December 23 we are still in school.  Needless to say, I'm a little jealous of all of you who are out way before then!