Well we might not have the anything close to the Himalayas here on Long Island but somehow kids always find something to climb.
Part of my Inspirations class of 4th -6th graders is to show them how inspired people choose different life paths than the norm. There is more than just going to the mall, watching tv, video games, or social media out there and that a person can make a difference.
Today’s topic was about climbing Mount Everest. An amazing feat that must be respected. From all my readings about this amazing place, I have developed the utmost respect for the men, women or children who choses to put themselves basically through hell to get to the top of the earth. It is inspiring and daunting. I know that personally I do not have a climb of that magnitude within me, but I can live vicariously through all the stories of the people who have summited or attempted to summit this monster of a mountain.
Basically all of the kids knew what the tallest mountain in the world was, less knew where it was and even fewer knew how tall it is. But that is okay because the information is out there if they are interested. I chose to show them a video on You-Tube , “Mount Everest, The Whole Journey” While Rob does not summit and plans to go just above base camp 3 he certainly gives the kids a great impression of what climbing Everest is like. I think they were amazed and surprised by what he had to go through. It’s worth a watch.
Here is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_ybcAWTLeE
For our hike I let the kids decide where we would go. Teaching them that they MUST stop at every intersection and wait for the whole group. Safety first. Some kids are fast and have to get there first, others are strollers who like to look around and chat. I must say the strollers do find the coolest stuff… like Grace who likes to find mushrooms and Finn who was able to find the bright red berries of the jack in the pulpit flower. It opens so many pathways for thought… are these things edible? do the animals eat them? There is also the time to take a look under the logs for insects. Although they were sparse this time Kenzie managed to find a millipede.
Good stuff. These kids love, love, love being in the woods… that means sooooo much.
Get those kids outside!!!!
ps: I recommended the series of books by Gordon Korman: Everest Series #1 “The Contest” Everest Series #2 “The Climb” & Everest Series #3 “The Summit” good read for kids!!!
avalonseedlings 