Pictures and Lessons Learned on our Field Trip

We recently went on a "field trip" with some of our homeschooling friends. We had a great time riding the Lightrail or as the boys called it, the choo-choo train, to Uptown to visit the library and have lunch. They were excited and rambunctous until more people started filing in and they found themselves sitting next to strangers. My friend Erin sat up front with the "big kids" and Mandy and I sat with the little ones in their strollers on the platform below. Here are some pictures of our excursion and a few lessons (inadvertantly) learned:

Social Studies-students made observations of public transportation (as overheard by Ms. Erin):

"There are more brown-skinned people on here than light-skinned people"

"That sign says "NO SMOKING" but that guy has a cigarette in his mouth, see that guy, I think he's gonna smoke, but it says "NO SMOKING" on that sign, see it?"

Health -dental hygiene (a discussion between 2 students):

1st student: That guy has a gold tooth

2nd student: What?

1st student: (a little louder) I said that guy over there has a gold tooth.

2nd student: Huh?

1st student: (louder)See that guy over there, he doesn't have many teeth, but he's got a gold one.

Teacher: SHHH!

Math -the value of money:

After the train ride, the children had a quick snack at the Burger King in the Transit Center (a.k.a Bus Station) with Erin and Mandy, while I went to get my change for the lightrail tickets from the ticket counter. The automated ticket station I bought my tickets from prior to departure was apparently out of change. Of course, that minor setback gave another opportunity for learning. After their snack the children needed to go to the restroom. We realized that there was a lock on the door that required a quarter to use the facilities. Indeed a quarter is worth 25 cents, but it is worth so much more to a little girl at the bus station who really needs to potty!

Art:

There is so much beautiful architecture to admire downtown, as well as lovely pictures and paintings. This was my favorite, though:

Physical Education: Teachers and students got there fair share of physical exercise by walking around downtown. (A few lessons on traffic safety were required.)

And this little guy, gave me some extra exercise chasing him around the library. He ran off about 3 times.

WHAT A TRIP!!!