The last field trip the Eagles took was to the Queens County Farm at the end of February and Carolina missed it because of a sick day. I was really bummed for her, but I knew there would be a few more chances to get out this semester. So I was happy to volunteer to chaperone their trip to the Queens Botanical Gardens at the end of March. The day was sunny and bright even if the winds were chilly. The kids were pretty amped to be outside and they really tried to listen to the tour guide as she took us around the gardens. Of course, Carolina started in about being hungry and wanting snacks as soon as we got off the bus. I brought a few contra band items for her to enjoy, but we waited until lunch to do the real swap out for sandwiches. Apart from the greenhouse tour which was a warm spot on a cool day, I really loved watching the kids run around the open space on the hill after lunch. It's one thing to learn all about seeds and plants and how the cycle of life works. But it's another to see these little minds happy to run free after a morning of exercising patience and control. The classroom lesson on eating an orange and taking its seeds to plant in a small container was good, if somewhat boring. Getting to eat lunch outside and then take off to play was the real highlight of this break from school. They rolled down the hill again and again, helped each other collect sticks to make a "fire" pit, and generally acted like the exuberant kids they are. This marks the homestretch in terms of finishing up preschool and every day I am reminded that they are just about to begin their real learning journey. I'm glad Carolina has found so many great friends amongst this group. And I really look forward to seeing them grow even more as they start Kindergarten in the fall.
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