Grade 2 Students Carry Water
On October 1, our second graders (the French and English class) experienced firsthand a task that many children around the world must do every day. As part of our unit of inquiry exploring the idea that “the lives of children are influenced by where their families live,” we compared average daily water usage in America and in Lesotho. We were surprised to learn that while the average American might use 65 gallons of water a day, some people in Lesotho get by on as little as two liters. While we can access as much water as we want just by turning on the tap, many people need to walk to rivers or wells, wait in line for a turn at a tap, or even collect rainwater. On water carry day, we saw 65 gallons lined up next to two liters and realized how fortunate we are! Then each student had the task of carrying a gallon of water around the field. Here are some of their reflections on the experience:
On water carry day I felt how it was to carry a gallon. I realized how heavy it was – before I did it I thought it was simple, but then I did it and it was hard. Then I remembered reading a book about children in Africa and they have to do that every day. I felt sorry for them because I imagine doing that every day.
— Matias Ferandel
We learned that in many places people don’t have as much water as we do. Some people have one gallon or even one liter of water – that is why we are very lucky that we don’t have to walk a long way to get our water.
— Sidney Williams
I can’t believe people carry lots of water to places. A bottle that has one gallon of water is very heavy.
— José Antonio Mendoza
I wonder how it would feel to carry 65 gallons every day!
— Hana Barhoumi
I’m very glad I don’t have to do THAT every day!
— Annika Feuer
I feel lucky to live in this country where we have lots of water.
— Michael DelCampo
In some parts of the world people have two liters of water to use a day. The women and children have to get the water.
— Victoria Spann-Burton
We learned how it felt and it was hard! It is good to be an African-American!
— Kiera Waites
Some parts of the world do not have enough food and water. They are suffering.
— Sarah Cook
They have to clean their water in a boiling pot!
— Emilie Marsaudon
In Lesotho there is very little water, so they can only use one and a half liters a day.
— Sophia Jactel
The water is often dirty so they must be very careful!
— Max Boeckle
When you carry water on your head you need strong shoulders and necks!
— Sabrina Clarke
The water in Lesotho is very special. It is like gold to them!
— Kristian Siebenrock
Je peux aller dans un avion avec beaucoup d’eau. Je peux planter des arbres.
— Cosette Doctor
Moi, quand je serai grande, je vais prendre un avion pour donner de l‘eau aux gens. Et quand ils ont fini l‘eau je leur en donnerai de plus en plus. Moi, je vais demander aux gens qui vivent dans les pays chauds de venir à Atlanta avec l‘avion que je leur donne et quand ils arrivent je leur donne beaucoup d‘eau. Je vais leur demander de venir avec des tasses et des bouteilles et je vais les remplir d‘eau et quand ils ont fini l‘eau je vais leur donner plus d‘eau.
— Carol Lee Diallo