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I took my preschool class on a field trip last week. You might be thinking, the fire station or a museum. No, we went to a plant shop. I know, perhaps not the most engaging of all places for young children. But as we walked into the beautiful little shop, adorned with cute little plants and breathed in what seemed to be air filled with eucalyptus, we were immediately entranced. Suke, the shop's manager brought us down the stairs to an empty room save for a table of interesting green things of all shapes and sizes. Suke enthusiastically told us about each one. There was the pitcher plant that EATS BUGS! EATS THEM DEAD! This had our attention. We were allowed to touch the softest leaves ever on the Polar Plant, were amazed by the air plants, loved talking about the spiky prickles on the cactus--really loved talking about those. On it went with the Zebra plant, the Watermelon, Heart, and finally the Pepperoni. What made the Pepperoni so special is that Suke had one for each of us. Our very own to take home and care for. We got just a little distracted by a spider, but after a bit, Jasper asked, "Can we get back to talking about plants?" After over 1/2 hour of plant talking and learning how to care for them, we pulled on our coats, gathered our plants, and said goodby to Suke. Back at school, we remembered and continued talking about that bug-eating plant, the cactus, and all the others. As we took deep breaths, we remembered the gift that plants give to us. And then it was time to receive our own. One by one, children spent a little time getting to know their plant--touching, smelling, looking, and listening. Finally, they gave it name. All the plants are in their new homes now. So, while perhaps not as exciting as a shiny red fire truck or enormous sloth, the little plant shop proved to be magical.
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Tricia Windschitl
5 day teacher |