Road School Day 1.

I guess this is my summer of firsts. First time of Asian travel, first time of sea kayaking, first time of grilled squid, and now my first day of Road School. I have had many first days with classes of kids, but I have never met them in a parking lot ready to get to know each other in a moving landscape. Like all my new adventures I have had recently, it was exciting and inspiring.

Here’s a list of things we did the first day: 1. Watched people surf the waves at the wave park in Salida. The kids were asked to choose three surfers and calculate their time in the waves for three trials and then average the times and make observations about elements that impacted the rides. 2. The next stop was a fish hatchery. We learned the process of egg to river or lake release and got to see most of the stages of the fish and then got to feed them. 3. After a short drive, we climbed out of the van in Leadville and climbed onto mountain bikes to hit the trails. 4. If that wasn’t enough, we settled in Leadville in a church community center. The kids made dinner and had some choice time. They could walk around town (supervised) or take a trip to Turquoise Lake for sunset fishing. 5. School wasn’t out until after a study hall which included journaling, a quick math drill, and a quick grammar practice. 6. The kids (and instructors) were so tired that bedtime was easy.

I really didn’t do any of the planning for the day, or design any of the curriculum. I felt very much along for ride. I showed some kids how to average; I took some kids off the single track trail when their fear became apparent. I bought nightcrawlers and drove the fisherboys out to Turquoise Lake. I ended my day walking around helping kids with math and grammar. The day was easy mentally, but physically a bit demanding and sleeping on the floor in a sleeping bag, definitely made me realize that I am decades older than everyone on this ride.

My take away is a lot deeper though. These kids are quiet, trying not to draw attention to themselves. They keep their eyes averted hoping not to be seen. As the day went on, glimmers of their personalities began to break through. The boys thanked me for taking them to the lake and we all agreed how stunning it was to watch night fall on the water.

My thoughts and emotions are whirling with the day’s experiences. I can see how the program is to teach kids to take risks by trying new experiences. Failure is not an option because with trying comes learning. For me, I can see how being in the classroom has given me the tools to be great at being out of the classroom. My mind is whirring with ideas for portfolio development and lessons to really capitalize on the activities. I am not going to get ahead of myself though. There is a lot of road ahead on this journey.