Counting to 18...
Last week I spent a lot of time counting to 18. Ready to get on the bus? Count to 18. Ready to leave a museum? Count to 18. Crossing the street? Count to 18. When you're traveling with middle school students, you have to check all the time that you haven't lost anyone! Having said that, there's nothing like traveling with students to make you appreciate everything about being a tourist.
We were in Washington DC last week for four days. I think this is my 10th time leading a group of students, but for them it was their first time ever visiting DC. For some it was the first time on an airplane. For many it was the first time going on a trip without their parents. That can be scary (although probably more so for the parents!).
For me, there were only a few firsts. First time our group had a hashtag (#cornandarmadillos). First time we went out for ice cream at Ben & Jerry's. Second time we got stuck in Chicago on the way home, BUT... first time we came home in a giant charter bus. For the students there were many more firsts. First time they rode a moving sidewalk at the airport. First time they watched a 4D movie. First time they visited a place where something written about in their Social Studies book actually happened! Everything was new and they soaked it up. They asked questions, looked carefully, and noticed details they I had missed even though I've been to these places multiple times.
By the time we got home early Saturday morning (only about 9 hours late...) we were all exhausted and their parents whisked them away into waiting cars. I came home and slept half the day away. But given the chance, I'd pack these 18 up again and start counting them into a new adventure. Thanks for a great trip #corn!
We were in Washington DC last week for four days. I think this is my 10th time leading a group of students, but for them it was their first time ever visiting DC. For some it was the first time on an airplane. For many it was the first time going on a trip without their parents. That can be scary (although probably more so for the parents!).
For me, there were only a few firsts. First time our group had a hashtag (#cornandarmadillos). First time we went out for ice cream at Ben & Jerry's. Second time we got stuck in Chicago on the way home, BUT... first time we came home in a giant charter bus. For the students there were many more firsts. First time they rode a moving sidewalk at the airport. First time they watched a 4D movie. First time they visited a place where something written about in their Social Studies book actually happened! Everything was new and they soaked it up. They asked questions, looked carefully, and noticed details they I had missed even though I've been to these places multiple times.
By the time we got home early Saturday morning (only about 9 hours late...) we were all exhausted and their parents whisked them away into waiting cars. I came home and slept half the day away. But given the chance, I'd pack these 18 up again and start counting them into a new adventure. Thanks for a great trip #corn!
Wow! How awesome that you were able to take such a memorable trip! I am sure this group of students will always think back to this field trip and remember you and all the memorize you help create!
ReplyDeleteThat's so nice you all get to fly! Our middle school also takes a D.C. trip (although its non-school sponsored), but they ride a charter bus the whole way, which extends their trip longer. It's usually one smelly bus of 7th/8th graders! ;)
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