> We also discussed our beliefs about our role as teachers in raising political issues with young children. We recognized that children are political beings, actively shaping their social and political understandings of ownership and economic equity — whether we interceded or not. We agreed that we want to take part in shaping the children’s understandings from a perspective of social justice

> From our conversations, several themes emerged.

> Collectivity is a good thing:

> Personal expression matters:

> Shared power is a valued goal:

> Moderation and equal access to resources are things to strive for

> As teachers, we were excited by these comments. The children gave voice to the value that collectivity is a solid, energizing way to organize a community — and that it requires power-sharing, equal access to resources, and trust in the other participants. They expressed the need, within collectivity, for personal expression, for being acknowledged as an individual within the group.

These were 8 year olds. The writers definitely steered the children into the results they wanted.