Fun with physics, inclusive classrooms, and homework no more
Welcome to the Play-by-Play. Every other week, we’re taking three recent stories from our God’s WORLD News publications and breaking them down to help you spark conversation in the home or the classroom.
As you move from discover to explore to discern, the themes go deeper. But any of these stories can work for conversation with the whole family. We’ll also include a Conversation Kickoff to help you break the proverbial ice if your kids aren’t ready to dive deep right away.
This week, we’re noticing the theme of learning. Learning is a huge part of Christian life—after all, “disciple” means “learner.” So look for the theme of learning in these stories.
Learn while you play.
🧠 What do we need to know about this story?
Dr. Tatiana Erukhimova teaches physics at Texas A&M University. She’s become famous for her engaging, interactive classes.
❤️️ How does this story affect our understanding?
What makes Dr. Erukhimova’s classes so fascinating? How does this help her students learn? Think about the subject of science, and more specifically, physics. Why do schools and universities teach science, even if the students don’t plan to become scientists? What does physics tell us about our Creator?
✋ How does this story inspire our actions?
Do a science experiment at home! You can mix cornstarch and water to create a non-Newtonian fluid called “oobleck.” Learn how to make it here.
Conversation Kickoff! With a big enough tub of oobleck, you can make it feel like you’re walking on water! If you could have a superpower, like water walking, flight, or invisibility, what would you choose?
Have You Heard?
(Read it at WORLDkids.)
🧠 What do we need to know about this story?
Some schools in Senegal have started include deaf and hard-of-hearing kids in hearing classrooms. Now all the students learn together.
❤️️ How does this story affect our understanding?
Why do kids with disabilities simply not go to school in some countries? What does that say about how people treat those they perceive as different? Look at the idea of inclusion. What do deaf and hard-of-hearing kids gain by being included in the main classroom? What do hearing kids gain by learning alongside those with hearing disabilities?
✋ How does this story inspire our actions?
Open your Bibles and read John 9. What sorts of assumptions does
the world make about people with disabilities? What does Jesus say instead?
No More Homework
🧠 What do we need to know about this story?
In Poland, lawmakers banned required homework for grades eight and under. Kids rejoice, but some teachers have concerns.
❤️️ How does this story affect our understanding?
Why did Polish lawmakers choose to ban homework? What makes homework a good thing? What can make homework a bad thing? Think about our theme of learning. Will less homework help improve learning or make it more difficult? Why do many teachers disagree with the homework ban? What makes work good? What makes rest good?
✋ How does this story inspire our actions?
Some students in Poland felt like homework left them with no time for other activities. Exactly how are you spending your day as a family? Create a family schedule based off your usual activities and see where your time goes. Are you spending time on the things you really want to do? Or is time slipping through the cracks?
Hear, my son, your father's instruction, and forsake not your mother's teaching, for they are a graceful garland for your head and pendants for your neck. — Proverbs 1:8-9
Together, let’s get the conversation started. He has equipped you for the work.
