Three Things I Learned on a Field Trip

 A couple of weeks ago I went along as a chaperone on Alex's Make Way for Ducklings field trip. It was a fun trip into Boston to trace the steps Mrs. Mallard and her ducklings take in Robert McCloskey's classic children's book, Make Way for Ducklings.

Here are three things that I personally learned on the field trip:

1. Teachers do not get paid nearly enough. Keeping an eye on 18 first graders is exhausting work. They are full of energy and questions. I was exhausted when I got home from the trip which, by the way, lasted just past lunch time. I gained much admiration for Alex's teacher who does the important work of teaching these kids every day. She probably thought the field trip was an easier day than her normal day where she has a full day of teaching assignments. Plus, she has to go home every day and prepare for the next day's class. Meanwhile, I was completely wiped out. Teachers have my undying respect for the important and challenging work that they do.
2. During lunch, first grade boys talk about their favorite cheese and then sports.
3. Boston is a beautiful city. The picture above was taken from our ride on the Swan Boats in the Public Garden. Riding the Swan Boats really gives you a view of the beauty of the Back Bay. It's a relaxing ride around the pond in the Public Garden. Alex and I take a day off every summer to go into Boston and riding the Swan Boats has become part of our tradition. It's also a bargain at $3/adult ticket and $1.50/child ticket. I highly recommend it!