In the spirit of honesty, I do, on occasion, have soda. I'll have "sugary" soda (something like Canada Dry Ginger Ale) when I am recovering from a gastrointestinal event. On an evening when I am unusually tired, I have also been known to consume an aspartame laden, caffeine infused, calcium depleting, calorie free soda (something really bad like Diet Dr. Pepper) in order to maintain some semblance of energy when I need to teach a couple of evening classes!
So, while I am not personally impacted by the NY City soda wars, I do have an educator's perspective on this!
A bit of history: Mayor Bloomberg is trying to get a ban on sodas larger than 16 ounces in order to combat obesity. "I’ve got to save lives,” the mayor said. Too bad he didn't get the message that all of us who work with people got about constructivist teaching and learning
Parents, pastors, priests, rabbis, mentors, coaches, teachers, and at least some judges have known since the beginning of recorded history that we learn best when we "construct" our knowledge from stories and experiences that shape our thinking. The Bible is full stories to "show" its ideas. Coaches will be out there as soon as it is daylight this morning, showing youngsters how to catch and throw. Most of us don't just watch a Lamaze video before giving birth; we practice under the guidance of someone who shows us!
Thus, Mayor Bloomberg, don't just tell your people that sodas contribute to obesity, show them how. (the research has already been done, see samples below!) Use your hefty personal resources to start TV and subway campaigns showing how one super sized soda has the calories most of us need for a whole day! Add those sugar infused beverages that Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts serve to your list, please! Don't just tell people to stop, show them why and then add some hefty taxes (money encourages reflection)!
Through hearing about the risks, watching videos of lives shattered by obesity, paying huge taxes on huge drinks, and then reflecting on those experience, "your" people, Mr. Mayor, will most likely rethink consumption of super sized, super caloric beverages as they construct an understanding of what they want out of their own live!
http://www.divinecaroline.com/self/wellness/seven-high-calorie-beverages-pack-pounds
http://coffee-shop.findthebest.com/saved_compare/5-coffee-drinks-over-500-calories
http://www.sugarstacks.com/beverages.htm
So, while I am not personally impacted by the NY City soda wars, I do have an educator's perspective on this!
Parents, pastors, priests, rabbis, mentors, coaches, teachers, and at least some judges have known since the beginning of recorded history that we learn best when we "construct" our knowledge from stories and experiences that shape our thinking. The Bible is full stories to "show" its ideas. Coaches will be out there as soon as it is daylight this morning, showing youngsters how to catch and throw. Most of us don't just watch a Lamaze video before giving birth; we practice under the guidance of someone who shows us!
Thus, Mayor Bloomberg, don't just tell your people that sodas contribute to obesity, show them how. (the research has already been done, see samples below!) Use your hefty personal resources to start TV and subway campaigns showing how one super sized soda has the calories most of us need for a whole day! Add those sugar infused beverages that Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts serve to your list, please! Don't just tell people to stop, show them why and then add some hefty taxes (money encourages reflection)! Through hearing about the risks, watching videos of lives shattered by obesity, paying huge taxes on huge drinks, and then reflecting on those experience, "your" people, Mr. Mayor, will most likely rethink consumption of super sized, super caloric beverages as they construct an understanding of what they want out of their own live!
http://www.divinecaroline.com/self/wellness/seven-high-calorie-beverages-pack-pounds
http://coffee-shop.findthebest.com/saved_compare/5-coffee-drinks-over-500-calories
http://www.sugarstacks.com/beverages.htm
8 comments:
I can't stand Bloomberg. Arrogant! I'm sure he's hard to work for and what a mess he's made of public education working hand-in-hand with his ed boys. I wonder who's coming to take his place.
Bonnie
Your post delivers an important message with clarity and humor. I am marking it for my daughters to read so that they watch the videos.
Thank you for the links to the information about this. I had not heard of this soda wars thing, but it is an interesting idea to ban those big drinks. Love your thoughts on constructivist teaching also.
I am trying to stop my soda intake and try seltzer instead...this has been hard!!
http://thoughtsandjots25.wordpress.com/2013/03/16/flying/
I'm still giggling about "gastrointestinal events" that require ginger ale. One thing I don't get about the size restriction...won't free refills negate the ban?
Informative with a side of humor. Nice slice. While trying to lose my baby weight over the past few months through a fitness app, I noticed that the most sugary item I consumed (each day, yes) was my chai from Starbucks. By 10:30 my budget was usually blown. Would people a half-century ago laugh that we're actually trying to make consuming too much pop unlawful? I'm giggling as I type...
I will be glad to see Bloomberg go. There is something so sanctimonious about him, and it drives me crazy. His work to improve gun laws is worthy, but what he has done to the New York City schools is just awful. It will take years to come back from the hole he's dug in NYC education. I'm with Bonnie - can't stand the guy.
You make some great points about constructivist teaching and learning. Your example of the soda wars is a great one, but it's important to remember your ideas when teaching anything. Thanks for sharing!
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