Israel: Part 3 - Behind the Scenes

I know I haven’t kept the blog updated very well since I started my Teacher’s Aide position last fall. That would be in large part due to my being exhausted every single day. Whatever, that’s fine nor is it a complaint. I’ve actually really been enjoying it! Part of what I enjoy is the variety each day brings. Occasionally I find myself on the Party Bus with Kinder and 1st graders headed to Cici’s Pizza (don’t let the name fool you. There was no liquor involved nor was it my version of a party). Other times I get to come along on field trips. Our Israel Trip was a major deja vu moment when I realized that this time I’m the Kindergartener on the field trip and our guide, Ori, is the role I usually hold . The following situations are what tipped me off:

Here’s a bathroom! Everyone go even if you don’t feel like it!  I swear I say this every day to my Kinders. Not just on a field trip. 

2, 4, 6, 8, 10 ….21,22,23. Ok, let’s go!  My biggest fear on a field trip is to not come back with all the students I’m responsible for. Hence the counting. 

Everyone wait here! … as Ori runs into a store once he’s convinced we probably won’t wander off. He comes out of the store with a stack of cups and two containers of juice. He senses we’re in need of a mid morning break, something cold and wet, and a little bit of a sugar rush. We all thankfully oblige and drink the juice like 5 year olds. But he’s right! We’re all ready to go now! Off to the City of David … 

Everyone wait here!  … as Ori once again leaves us to go speak to a man behind a counter. Suddenly he opens up a standing freezer and starts doling out popsicles in the shape of watermelons on a stick. This guy is good. He’s got the popsicle trick down to a tee and knows exactly how to use it.  We are suddenly content and all is right with the world. 

Help yourself! ….As he passes around pretzels, waffle cookies, and juice. We literally just ate a buffet breakfast but he knows that lunch will be a little later today and is trying to nip any complaining in the bud. Thinking ahead. Well played, Ori.  An added surprise - the bus driver arrives with a pot of very strong coffee (I’m not sure how he managed that out in nature?) and those that drink coffee were made extra happy by the caffeine burst. 

And so I have a new appreciation for how all of these tricks work. I have now been on the receiving end and know how valuable they are for a successful field trip to work. These three things are of utmost importance: Regular potty stops, not losing anyone, and keeping everyone fed and hydrated. Bring on the field trips ...