Teachable moment...
I had never heard that term until our children were at the Lower School. Our son had gotten stung by a bee (for the first time) and to calm him and divert his pain, his teacher gathered the class around the computer to learn about bees and where they live, why they sting, what purpose they serve, and I’m sure countless other fascinating facts. When I returned to the classroom that afternoon, I was met with 17 yellow and black paper bees suspended from the ceiling! Now that’s a teachable moment!
Our talented teachers make these happen every day, but I want to invite you to have a teachable moment with your child this week—on Thursday, to be exact. From 2 to 6:30 p.m. at the Upper School library, Blood Assurance will conduct a blood drive in honor of our very own Kandi Riddle. Kandi has been battling cancer for the past several years valiantly, determined and unbelievably good naturedly. It’s time for us to match that spirit and donate blood to help all of those who need what medication cannot provide.
I know that often, children will come with their parents as they give blood and explain what is happening and why it is so important. Here’s where you become the master teacher—not only with child-appropriate facts, but in living the giving we talk about daily. Here are a few points to get you started:
• There is no medicine that can do what blood does for the body—it can only come from people.
• Blood takes oxygen all over the body so the different parts (organs) can work.
• Blood is made up of things called cells that help the body stop bleeding, fight infection and even give us energy.
• If someone is sick and their body stops making blood, only someone else’s blood could help.
• Each time one person gives his/her blood, it could help three different patients.
• After blood is given (donated), our body makes new blood so we have plenty to share!
Please visit www.bloodassurance.org to find out more and even download a “Dan the Blood Drop Man” coloring page. Then explain what you’re going to do Thursday, April 21 (2:00—6:30) and let your child see service in action. What a golden opportunity for a teachable moment that will hopefully result in a lifetime of donating!
By the way, Wednesday is Kandi’s birthday. Can you imagine a more meaningful present than a record-breaking blood drive because it’s in honor of her?! What a tribute to her this would be to show her the difference she makes in others’ lives! Let’s roll up our sleeves and show her we practice what we teach!
