Hoot

There is a wonderful movie – HOOT.  It’s based on a book called (ready for this?) HOOT by Carl Hiaasen.  (Oh my gawd – don’t I sound like a school teacher?!?!?!!)

It’s the story of 3 middle schoolers who took a stand against the corporate world to protect burrowing owls.  The movie is very well done.  The themes of the story are perfect for middle schoolers – rebellion, being the "new kid", school bullies, and even – gasp – social consciousness.  What’s more – even with all these redeeming qualities built in and obvious – the students LOVE this movie.  Yep.  No guns, no blown up buildings, no drugs, no pimps n hos, , no bling, no gangs, no chase scenes, no sports, no rappers …….  and still they love it.

I’ve been letting my 6th graders watch it.  We finished up today.  Since we had a few minutes left before the bell rang, I decided we’d talk about it.

"What was the POINT of the movie?"

"Saving the owls.
Saving animals.
Standing up for what you believe is right."

(So far so good, Ms. Wolf.  They understood.  Now for the next step…)

"What happens when we build and build and build on so-called vacant pieces of land?"

"The animals that live there die.
The animals have to move.
The animals have nowhere to go."

(Now I’m feeling good!  They REALLY understand!  So I decide to take it one step further….)

"You know – I was born here and have lived here most of my life.  When I was about your age, the city was nowhere near as big as it is today.  Right here, where this school is, was nothing.  Even after the school was built, there were very few houses, no mall, no pro football stadium…. How many animals do you think were displaced….and where did they go?"

"Really?
No malls?  How did you get clothes?
Were there cars then?
Were there ROADS back then?"

One step too far.  Shoulda quit while I was ahead……..