My daughter attends a school that emphasizes "service learning" - embedding into the academic curriculum opportunities for doing for others. I love this about her school.
Tomorrow, her class is having a bake sale to raise money as a part of their rainforest studies - they are giving the proceeds to a sloth protection foundation. As we were baking our cupcakes tonight, I was curious about how much Lily (just having turned six years old this week) understood about this project - so I asked.
Me: "Hey, hon...what do you think they are doing to do with the money you raise for the sloths?"
Lily: "Well....." (thoughtful, sincere expression) "....you know, the sloths - they can't really use money."
I like it. Money going directly to those who need it. Skipping the middle man. But Lily is right - not so practical in this instance.
Me: (trying to keep a straight face) "So true...what do you think the people helping the sloths will do with the money?"
Lily: "Well - maybe they will give the money to the people who aren't being helpful to the sloths - you know, to make them be more helpful."
Bribery.
Maybe missing the point of the learning. Or maybe my daughter is WAY street smart about how to get things done in the rainforest. Only time will tell.
