Play-Learn-Grow-Repeat

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
This year, Tate’s preschool class gets the opportunity to go on field trips. It’s something a lot of the kids (and parents) look forward to. So far this year, they’ve been bowling and toured the fire station. Today, I had the chance to join Tate on my favorite trip of the school year, the pumpkin patch.

Teachers and parents loaded up vehicles with car seats and happy children. We had a little bit of a drive, but the kids were so excited and giddy about their day ahead. We arrived with kids literally bouncing off the walls. They had a giant jumping air pillow, swings, petting zoo, pig races, mazes, a sand pit, and our favorite part, the hayride. The farmer educated us about the life cycle of a pumpkin. We picnicked at lunchtime and each child had an opportunity to speak about their favorite part of the trip. Although it felt a little chaotic with 24 children, we had the entire place to ourselves for the morning, which made keeping track of all the kids easier.

I’m happy to share in these fun opportunities with Tate. I love to see him learn about new things, places, and people. I also love to see him enjoy time with his friends. I can specifically remember a time when I was in preschool playing with two of my best friends out at a farm. To this day, I’m still friends with them, and we’ve discussed those little moments in our past that have always stuck in our head. It’s these fun memories that can last a lifetime. I’m happy Tate has the chance to make them.

From Wednesday Mom – Janelle:
Today I had the opportunity to chaperone a field trip with Jack’s class.  We went to the Fire Station.  Jack asked about this trip for weeks. He loves fire trucks.  Ever since he learned to make the siren sound he’s been into them.  He is teaching Tate all the noises fire trucks make and even building them with his Legos.

When we arrived at the station, we were introduced to all the firemen on duty.  They work a 24-hour shift three days a week.  The firemen showed the kids where they eat, sleep and work. The kids also viewed a museum that housed a lot of antique fire equipment.  The kids asked a lot of pointed questions. We were even able to see their old Dalmatian, Roxy.  Poor Roxy was a little overwhelmed, with twenty four four year olds in her face.  She handled it well and ventured back to her bed.

One of the main reasons the school tours the station is for fire safety. In the event of a rescue, a child might be scared of a man dressed in a large coat, pants and a scary mask. One of the firemen dressed in his gear piece by piece to demonstrate to the kids how every part of his body is protected.  He explained how he uses his air tank and mask to breathe. Jack liked the “Darth Vader” sound it made. If Jack ever needs to be rescued by the fire department hopefully he remembers his training.

An emergency call came through while we were touring. It turned out to be defective smoke alarm at a local business.  Some of the firemen left in their fire truck to tend to the problem.  The kids were “fired” up to see the truck leave with its sirens on. Finally, the kids were able to crawl all over the remaining fire truck and push its many buttons.  They were all thrilled to receive a red plastic fireman’s helmet.  I was thrilled to spend the morning with my son and his class. We both enjoyed ourselves and learned something in the process.