I just found out (via sfgirlbybay) that a book of children’s letters to the new President is being released today. Thanks and Have Fun Running The Country was produced by McSweeney’s and 826 National in young writer’s workshops around the country. The sentiments expressed run the gamut from thoughtful and wise to hilarious.
Let’s take a look at a few examples of what kids have to say to President Obama…
Dhamaril Nunez, age 9, Boston, says:
“I have a great idea for you: you should set up a special place just for kids to call the president if they find things that are dangerous and can affect people, like someone smoking. This would be a special place for kids to talk to Barack Obama and let him know what’s going on.”
Chad Timsing, age 9, Los Angeles:
“If I were president, I would help all nations, even Hawaii.”
Amy Ramirez, age 8, San Francisco:
“When you are president, don’t eat junk food. Junk food makes you fat. Your family shouldn’t eat junk food, either, because it’s not healthy. Obama, you rock.”
Gabriela Quezada, age 7, Boston:
“I think that this year you will have to do a lot of work. One thing that you will have to do is to make school more important for everyone. That way, kids will always do a good job. If I were the president, I would work really hard to change Boston and other cities. I would make the world very smart. I would make all of the world work really hard and always do the best job that they can.”
I think it is always fascinating to hear what children have to say about big issues, and it can be empowering for children to talk about, as well. When I was student teaching in a 5th Grade class in the Mission District of San Francisco, I did a “campaign” project which was a huge success. I think this had less to do with any fantastic teaching ability on my part, and more to do with the feelings of strength and hope that this activity gave the students. I will never forget the look of pride on the faces as each student told me about their plans for the country when “I become President”. Amanda Blake Soule of Soule Mama has reported on a similar project her son Ezra is working on of his own volition – read all about it in this post. Ez is working on his “Presidential Manifesto”; I assure you, it’s totally adorable.
Are your children at all interested in the Presidency? Have you asked your child what they would do if they were President?
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