Superpower

Chapter NineThe Perspective Box

 

Mr. E got out a stack of old shoeboxes and held one up to show the class after they had all gathered under their favorite outdoor classroom willow tree.

“For the next activity, you are going to talk within your groups about the subjects in this shoe box that I wrote on notecards. Your objective is to learn different perspectives. You'll talk about how you feel about the subject and then explain why you feel that way based on an experience, something you've been told or heard, or a lesson you learned about it.”

Mr. E handed Trent one of the shoeboxes and told him to take his group to a nice peaceful spot where they could get into a meaningful conversation. “Trent, I'd like you to be the leader in your group for this. Please make sure everyone has a chance to participate and that you help the quieter students get the chance to share and speak.” Trent felt special to be picked as a leader. He'd never been chosen to lead anything before. He gave Mr. E a nod and was determined not to let him down as he pointed to a group of benches near the bird sanctuary and asked his group to meet over there.

As they sat down, Trent cleared his throat loudly to get their attention. “I am opening the box, guys! I'll give each one of you a card to be in charge of and then we can discuss them.” The group nodded in agreement, much to Trent's relief, as he handed ...