Busses and books.

Cragin's kindergarten classes went to Bookman's, the local used bookstore, for their first field trip. Turner's class went Friday, February 11th. We walked from the school to the bus stop. I was amazed at how organized and controlled the whole experience was. I have such confidence in Turner's teacher. So, we rode the city bus a couple of blocks to Bookman's, and this isn't your regular used bookstore. It attracts an eclectic crowd, and it caters to the wandering reader as well as children. If you have a dog, feel free to bring it along as you peruse the shelves. And, they always play great music.

When we first arrived, the children were asked to sit down and listen to the rules.

We received a tour of the store and saw where the books are bought from the public, priced, organized in the back room, shelved, and then put back out into the store.

We learned about how books are grouped by subject, and the kids were allowed free reign in the children's section.

They even saw the break room and the administrative offices (most of the folks stood in the stock room in uncomfortable silence. Andy and I found a book to buy).

Chol and Turner checking out the Pokemon collection.

Turner's selections.
He also chose a movie, one of the bonuses of having your folks tag along on the field trip.

After Bookman's, we boarded the city bus again. We rode a few blocks north and walked to the park near Turner's school. The kids played while Ms. Cipolla and other adults distributed lunch.
Turner had peanut butter and crackers, fruit water, carrots, and part of a huge Eegee's chocolate chip cookie.

After lunch, there was a lot of swinging.

Ms. Cipolla and the other teacher were respected by the kids, and the field trip went off without a hitch. But tonight, Andy relayed to me information he got from Diago's dad. Apparently one kid, who will remain nameless, hit melt down when the kids had to leave the park. His mother was unable to control him. At one point, and this comes from Turner's mouth, he told his mother to shut her *expletive* mouth. So, Diago's dad carried this kid all the way back to school while he kicked and screamed. Turner said he still had a *great* time.