A Boy, 2 Trains, and 1 iPod Touch

Recently I took my 11 year old on a little field trip to the botanical gardens.  It’s a great way to get in the Christmas spirit.  You walk through a lovely little garden full of poinsettias, ponds, and old antique trains streaming along above you on raised tracks.  And outside is the historic park that houses two huge steam engines from days gone by.  To see the trains you have to hike up about 100 steps.  It was really cold and windy and the grandparents were along so we sent my son up to have a look around.

Rest assured he didn’t go alone.  He had his ipod touch in his back pocket.  So off he went flying up those stairs in the 30 degree weather with the wind blowing against him.  When he came back with rosy cheeks he had lots to show us.  He had taken several photos of the engines that sat atop this hill and he had even taken photos of the plaques detailing the history of those trains.  He told us all about it while showing us the photos on his ipod.  

It was such a great little learning experience for him and one that he could share immediately because he was able to use his ipod.  Why, I ask you, do we take these devices out of our students’ hands?  Some of us recognize the power these tools provide to kids, and for those of you who don’t believe me... well you just need to get aboard the train.

Written By:  Jennifer Krzystowczyk