You know you want to meet this kid...

This morning, in 6th grade Social Studies, we played President Obama's Back-to-School video message to American students and asked them to reflect on it, in writing. I asked the students what they thought their president's message was and how his speech might affect them. Finally, I asked them to share what they can do to help make our country great. As usual, I received a variety of responses to grade. Many students wrote a handful of thoughts, some wrote lengthy, eloquent summaries, and one little girl (I'll call her Polly) busily scribbled away, excited to share her thoughts. Hers is my favorite.  This little cutie-pie idealist poured out the following. [It's very hard to see (she wrote it in pencil) and I've "translated it" for you below, where appropriate.]

I think that the speck opind up to me, 

so I'm going to...

[The speech opened my mind, so I'm going to...]

*Pay atencin      [Pay attention]
*Get better grades
*mack the world a better place
*incerig others    [Encourage others]
*I will sowt for my golls        [I will shoot for my goals]
*Stop bullys
*Pick up trash
*Recical   [Recycle]
*I will acev my gols      [I will achieve my goals]
*Lison to others      [Listen to others]
*Make a diffrints      [Make a difference]

*I will be a friend to all.
*in prove on evry thing [Improve on everything]
*stand up to bullys
*help kids that need help
*acomplish new goals
*and help kids acomplis more
*and acomplis there goals

That is what Obama makes me feel!

I'm hoping that "improve on everything" includes writing skills. 

If not, I'm pretty sure I'll be able to talk her into adding that to her list :)