Today is Ash Wednesday, and the beginning of Lent. Each year during Lent, I require my seventh graders to do some sort of Lenten Sacrifice. They can give something up (sweets, soda, caffeine, swears, some TV time, etc), or they can take on some new thing (glass of milk each day, read one chapter of the Bible each day, pray for five minutes each morning, etc.) I let them come up with ideas after talking with them. Their ideas have to fit my four requirements: it must be daily, it must be measurable, it must be challenging, and it can’t be unhealthy. They usually come up with pretty good ideas. A lot of this year’s kids seem to be taking easy ones. They have to get their parent’s signature, so we’ll see if any of them come back with changed ideas.
I always do something for Lent too, but I haven’t decided yet. I was going to do push-ups and sit-ups every day, because I did exercise last year and was successful, but now I wonder if I should do something new… practice ukulele every day? …try re-learning some German? …read the Bible? I read an article by someone who said whatever you do for Lent shouldn’t be some “self improvement” thing, but I disagree. I think a Lenten Sacrifice is not about suffering along with Christ or anything like that. How does giving up chocolate in any way compare to being crucified? I think a Lenten Sacrifice is an opportunity to practice self-control. Practice self-control in something small, and it may help you when something big comes along. It’s a spiritual discipline.
So what’ll it be for me? I’m thinking it’ll probably just be exercise. Deciding is hard.
That’s a good explanation of why to do a sacrifice. I’ve not often done one, but this makes me think. Hmmmm…. so many bad habits to choose from….
Pictures of your classroom are always cool, by the way. You have such neat handwriting!
I really like this explanation, too. I am printing this to spark conversation with our kids – thanks!
Did you get paczkis for the teachers yesterday? Is that just a regional thing because Chicago has such a high polish population?
I 3rd that Shout Out on your explanation!! Excellent!! And it’s further proof that you need to get working on writing that book(s)…..or at least some devotionals. Maybe this could be your Lenten Activity.
And I’m embarrassed to say I don’t think I can do one regular push up…unless I only lower down about 1 inch.
PS–Is part of their project reporting on how well they did with the sacrifice?
Is this a pass/fail? How do you grade this project?
To answer the questions:
I don’t grade them on whether they keep it or not. I try to give that impression so they’ll have an extra incentive though.
I have them journal each week and I grade the journal writing. At the end, I have them make a posterboard of their experience and I hang them around the room.
And I didn’t get paczkis, but I did have some pancakes last night.
1. I think your sacrifice should include decision-making – like, “I must make all decisions within xx seconds, then stick to them, even if they turn out poorly.” Could make for some interesting future blog stories, no?
We heard at Hershey this weekend about all the antiodidants in chocolate liquor…no alcohol, but tons of antioxidants. Definitely a healthy food.
2. Eating more (dark) chocolate seems to fit all 4 of your requirements, sir.
3. Practicing self-control is indeed the point. But “How does giving up chocolate in any way compare to being crucified?” !!!!! I’m choosing to forget you said that. :-\