HELP! ~Homework~ for kids vacationing in Disney

[Micka Mouse]

I am a second grade teacher, and one of my students is leaving in a week for Disney. Her mom wants work to take with them. What were some ~^*fun*^~ assignments your children's teacher gave them?

Thanks!

 

[MSSANDRA]

The best "assignment" my son's teacher ever gave was to just go and have fun and forget about homework. We have had this happen several trips and only once,3rd grade, did any teacher give a lot of homework. We found that home-work and wdw are not great combinations. Last year in 8th grade he had to complete a project for an excused education trip and we did a picture tour of epcot that really was fun. We took pictures of DS in every country doing silly things like wearing a hat from that country or whatever.

A simple idea might be to send the class a post card from each park or each country. You can buy a pack of post cards that has one from each country . Thanks for being supportive of a family vacation.

 

[bellebud]

just had to say how nice it is of you to care about a 'fun' assignment for your student. i'm going to guess the mom only asked for work to not get you mad and to be polite (i know that's what i've done - feeling guilty about taking the child out of school for vacation and wanting to make it easy on the teacher), but if you're not going to give the child's actual work he'll miss, I vote to not give anything at all and let them just forget about school for the week and enjoy their time w/ each other. You sound like a wonderful teacher!

 

[jenseib]

A teacher had my DD make a diary of each day and turn it in. I was so happy it wasn't reall work. Thanks for being a great teacher!
I like the picture idea too.

 

[noahdove]

I think it's great that you are trying to find "fun" things for your student to do while they are away...I hope this student will not suffer from missing class time. I have 3 very close friends that teach 2nd grade and with our state mandates and the NO Child Left Behind act, I can't imagine them being ok with the child leaving...but, each state has it's own educational laws....Being retired from the attendance end, I cringe when I think about the "unexcused" abscences.....sorry for taking the devil's advocate postition

 

[jenmomof5]

My son's teacher gave him a "journal" with a page for each day. He was supposed to draw or write about each day and he shared it with the class when he got home. This was in Kindergarten, but i think it would work for any age.

 

[CastleCreations]

We did an Epcot project, last year. She learned a little about each of the countries and we made a little book for her to take in with pictures, and she did a little show and tell.
She was in Grade K. For Grade 2, I would think a writing assignment, and how bout a math assignment...they can calculate how much money Mum and Daddy are spending on the trip....LOL

 

[luvmy2sams]

DD's 2nd grade teacher loved Disney and had recently returned from a trip, which I think helped us out a lot! She gave DD a folder with all her missed work, but each sheet had a big red "X" across the questions. She put notes on each homework sheet with things like "Ride Splash Mountain for me", "Eat popcorn and watch the fireworks from Main Street" and "dance in the fountains". DD loved that her teacher was as excited and familiar with our destination as we were.

 

[Micka Mouse]

These are great ideas ! I purchased an Ariel Folder last night. I am going to put journal pages in it, and have her write about the most exciting part of her day.

I like the idea of having her do an assignment like "see the parade", "wave to a princess" and "swim in the pool". Maybe I'll make a checklist of these things for her to do as "homework".

After she gets back, I can have the pages laminated and give them back to her as a keepsake. I know that I would love that!

Truthfully, I want to live this vaction through her eyes. We're not taking our trip until 2009 !!! I need a little Disney Magic to help me pass the time!

I hope she has a wonderful time .

As far as being supportive of their vacation: It's FAMILY time! Personally, I think that comes first! Unfortunetly, I cannot take a vacation during the school year. This little thing called "lose your job" prevents that ! And DH would rather have ten teeth pulled than go during school break...ah well, July isn't tooooo hot, right ???

If you have anymore ideas, let me know. I still have a week to prep!

THANKS SO MUCH !!!!!!!!

 

[kimsuenew]

These are great ideas ! I purchased an Ariel Folder last night. I am going to put journal pages in it, and have her write about the most exciting part of her day.

I like the idea of having her do an assignment like "see the parade", "wave to a princess" and "swim in the pool". Maybe I'll make a checklist of these things for her to do as "homework".

After she gets back, I can have the pages laminated and give them back to her as a keepsake. I know that I would love that!

Truthfully, I want to live this vaction through her eyes. We're not taking our trip until 2009 !!! I need a little Disney Magic to help me pass the time!

I hope she has a wonderful time .

As far as being supportive of their vacation: It's FAMILY time! Personally, I think that comes first! Unfortunetly, I cannot take a vacation during the school year. This little thing called "lose your job" prevents that ! And DH would rather have ten teeth pulled than go during school break...ah well, July isn't tooooo hot, right ???

If you have anymore ideas, let me know. I still have a week to prep!

THANKS SO MUCH !!!!!!!!

You are a very special teacher and deserve a pat on the back for caring so much! It is obvious you are in the right profession by your willingness to "go above and beyond"!

 

[jenseib]

I agree, family time is MUCH more important. I think children will get alot more out of that than any class can give them. I could care less what any shcool says to me. If I want to take my kids out for something then I will. I am the parent, NOT them. I don't do it often, but I have done it here and there. Special time with family is the best for all of us.

 

[ILoveDisney&Cruising]

I hope she has a wonderful time .

I'm sitting here crying! What a beautiful post. You are one phenomenal teacher!!!! Your students, their parents AND your school district are so blessed to have you!!!

 

[northriver]

Travel is a crucial life skill. My oldest is 13 and we have traveled extensively since he was a baby. He knows geography, he knows how to deal with airlines and airline delays. (And potentially lost luggage, although that doesn't mean he's happy to have to share his suitcase with baby diapers!) He knows how to use public trasit systems. He has excellent map reading skills. He know how to safeguard valuables and travel documents. He know how to plan, and how to pack! In June he goes on a Washington DC trip and, well, I always worry about my kids, but I'm not nearly worried as most parents will be beause I've taken time over the last 10 years to teach him these valuable skills. NCLB doesn't cover this stuff - but it really is important.

Parents and teacher need to look beyond Epcot for the education value of a Disney trip, there is so much more!

 

[mickeylove2]

My daughter's teacher gave her a journal to write and draw a pic for everyday of the vacation. Simple, fun and when she gets back she has to tell all about her trip to the class!

 

[Minniemouse07]

Google the book Guide to the Magic for Kids. They have a website. There is a section at the back of the book w/ journal pages. Their site has a sample page of it and it may give you some good ideas of questions to ask.

I picked up the book for my dd (6yo and in 1st grade). I really like how interactive the book is (stickers and a place to write about each ride/attraction) and it has pictures of things to look for in each park or section of a park.

 

[ont/ohana]

Mica Mouse, what a kind and thoughtful thing for yiou to do. My DD7's 2nd grade teacher gave her a journal to write in and her science work ( float or sink) to do in the Pool! Our DD loved it! Her teacher only asked her to make sure she had her pic taken with Eeyore for her!
I am entering the education system when I'm finished college ( 3 more years) and I can't wait to teach with people like you and my DD7's teacher!!

 

[Micka Mouse]

I have an update!

I wasn't sure if my student knew about the trip, so I casually asked this morning if anyone was taking a vacation soon. She jumped up and told me that she was going, and that it was going to be her FIRST time! That's all I needed to hear.........

I absolutely appreciate all of the wonderful things everyone is saying (I am glowing here) , but seriously, how can I not get excited and happy for her?

I love the Science idea of SINK or FLOAT. That will definetly be an assignment.

I will check out "Guide to the Magic" tonight. I am planning on stuffing a Tink folder (she told me that Tink is her favorite, so I guess I'll have to give Ariel to my dd) with some fun activities. I also have a Disney Princess Comprehension Book. I'll copy a story or two for the plane ride. I am mainly going to stick to "have fun" assignments: wave to a princess, eat ice cream, etc.

You have made my weekend! Thank you for such terrific ideas, and for saying such wonderful things.

Shannon