Crossing Bridges

Recently I learned about a style of Open House for junior high and high school parents that I can’t wait to participate in myself. My children are elementary age and younger, and I certainly don’t remember my own parents participating in something like this. But apparently, the parents show up at the school building with their child’s daily schedule and have to then walk through it in a slightly condensed version, racing from one class to the next before the five-minute bell rings to tell you that you’ve taken too long to walk from French to Gym.

I LOVE this idea. It fascinates me first of all to see exactly what my child goes through in a day but also that the adults probably look so chaotic and foolish attempting this experience that it is hard to imagine they were ever in high school themselves.

But mostly, I just love any idea that brings the adult’s world closer to the child’s. It’s one reason I love what we do here at Adventure Student Travel.

In some ways, educational tours are for the opposite purpose – to open a child’s eyes to the wider world around them. But what of the adults who accompany the students as they explore? Couldn’t it awaken both of us? There is perhaps no learning experience like the hands-on one, no history lesson more memorable than standing where history occurred, no math or reading lesson greater imparted than when it has to be applied in life.

Imagine the good it can do for children and adults to experience these revelations together. If you are a parent, consider student travel with your children. If you are a student, don’t grimace when mom or dad signs the chaperone list, okay? It’s a beautiful thing when our worlds collide and a learning experience for us all.

(Photo of the Lincoln Memorial by Absolutwade on Flickr)