Theme: articles that intrigue the mind

 

 

Topic: value of life/DUI

 

 

Written by: Netanel Afek

 

 

Age Group: ninth grade, Chevraya Bet.

 

 

Time: Weekday.

 

 

 

Goal: To get the chanichim to think, debate, raise issues and relevant stories, and exercise their mind in creative and critical thinking.

 

 

Materials: copies of article (provided).

 

 

Note: this is part of a unit of peulot in which the chanichim are required to think, debate, raise issues and relevant stories, and exercise the mind in creative and critical thinking. This specific article might be reserved to a later discussion, and not as a first time peula of this sort. This is a hard peula, and requires preparing ahead.

 

 

 

 

1.Give the chanichim a copy of “went to a party mom” full including the petition (petition may be shrinked or resized to fit less space).

 

 

 

2. Ask them for comments. This part may take as long as the whole peula – let them speak freely about what they feel about it. Ask questions that will lead them to sophisticated answers (i.e. who’s fault was it? Was the kid really talking/writing to his mom? Why did so many people sign this – even people who are not personally connected to a DUI tragedy? Who do you think wrote this? By the way, author is unknown. Etc.) What are they trying to achieve by passing this around? Would you erase this email if you got it?

 

 

 

3. Be the devil’s advocate; ask them what the problem was exactly – why is it so wrong to drink and drive? Aren’t I risking myself alone? Since when should we listen to our parents for advice in parties? This poem is just stupid – it makes a real drama out of nothing…

 

 

 

4. Conclusion: the value of life. Being selfish and care-less doesn’t only damage yourself… what does this article show about reaction of people to tragic situations and dramatic problems? Will this poem change anything?

 

 

Would you erase this email?

 

 

 

 

 

"Went to A Party Mom"

 

 

 

 

 

I went to a party, And remembered what you said.

 

 

You told me not to drink, Mom So I had a sprite instead.

 

 

 

 

 

I felt proud of myself, The way you said I would,

 

 

That I didn't drink and drive, Though some friends said I should.

 

 

 

 

 

I made a healthy choice, And your advice to me was right,

 

 

The party finally ended, And the kids drove out of sight.

 

 

 

 

 

I got into my car, Sure to get home in one piece,

 

 

I never knew what was coming, Mom Something I expected least.

 

 

 

 

 

Now I'm lying on the pavement, And I hear the policeman say,

 

 

The kid that caused this wreck was drunk, Mom, his voice seems far away.

 

 

 

 

 

My own blood's all around me, As I try hard not to cry.

 

 

I can hear the paramedic say, This girl is going to die.

 

 

 

 

 

I'm sure the guy had no idea, While he was flying high,

 

 

Because he chose to drink and drive, Now I would have to die.

 

 

 

 

 

So why do people do it, Mom Knowing that it ruins lives?

 

 

And now the pain is cutting me, Like a hundred stabbing knives.

 

 

 

 

 

Tell sister not to be afraid, Mom Tell daddy to be brave,

 

 

And when I go to heaven, Put Daddy's Girl on my grave.

 

 

 

 

 

Someone should have taught him, That its wrong to drink and drive.

 

 

Maybe if his parents had, I'd still be alive.

 

 

 

 

 

My breath is getting shorter, Mom I'm getting really scared.

 

 

These are my final moments, And I'm so unprepared.

 

 

 

 

 

I wish that you could hold me Mom, As I lie here and die.

 

 

I wish that I could say, " I love you, Mom!" - So I love you and good-bye.