Two years ago, I was in bed just thinking about what I wanted to do and would enjoy doing for the rest of my life, of course children and education is in the top 5.  However, I want to
do something that I simply could not do without, and that I couldn't wait to
wake up in the morning to do.  I love a good conversation, and even a good
arguement at times.  I had just watched The Great Debaters, and
thought...Wow! I would love to do that. I instantly thought about all the
comprehension skills they worked on while training for a debate, as I also
thought about how many students I have had that can't hold a conversation, much
less stay on topic...I thought..."I'm going to start a debate team!"  So I
did!  Let me remind you I have never formally debated...lol...BUT God
always provides provision for the vision, and He did just that.  I now have
22 amazing 4th graders getting ready to compete in their first ever debate at
Vanderbilt today, and they are GOOD too!  The first 4th graders to debate
in Metro Public School history might I add.  My goal is to see other
schools take on this endeavor. In saying all of this, whatever God places in
your heart, step out on it.   He has already ordered the people in
place to make it come to pass.  Team God!!!

Big Shout Out to Addrienne Neal, Shewanna Buchanan, Mykah Wyman(Mrs. S), M.L. Sandoz...these ladies are amazing and without them this would have still been a vision.

Look for footage soon!

As I sit here still at school at 6:30pm, I know I have probably lost my mind.  Believe it or not, I'm not even tired simply because of the great research and discussions my students and I had during today's practice.  I think I learned as much as they did about Christopher Columbus...His son was one of the 1st slave traders starting back in 1505. He and his men cut off body parts of small children just to check the sharpness of their blades, yet we have streets, schools,  and holidays after this man.  Part of our state capital is named after him....I'll stop here, but I could go on and on.   One of my students said it best, "If he were alive today, he would be in jail or definitely on trial for the many murders he committed.  Instead we celebrate him like a hero."

I am still on cloud 9 after my time with them.  I am so excited to see and hear them debate this topic.  I hope to see you there on Thursday!

Now it's time for me to get this 2 mile day completed, get some dinner,  go to bed, and start all over again tomorrow.

Check back for footage from the October 27th Debate Day!