By Katie Rhine
Special to The TIMES
The young students from Pea Ridge pre-kindergarten enjoyed their first field trip of the school year by visiting both the Pea Ridge Library and the Pea Ridge Fire Department Wednesday, Sept. 21.
The bus trip, as well as the visit to the community buildings were a "first" for many of the 4 and 5-year-old students of Katie Rhine and Stephanie Rosser.
Murray Dayberry, 4, smiled as his father, Chris Dayberry, photographed Murray's first preschool field trip.
"Many of our children have never had the opportunity to ride on a school bus," Katie Rhine, preschool director, said. "We like to visit our hometown community helpers and learn bus riding rules on our first Pre-K outing. Several of our parents reported their child was so excited for our upcoming field trip that they were unable to sleep!"
The children were not disappointed as they pulled up to the fire station, Rhine said. Three shiny fire trucks were pulled out ready to be explored. Firefighter Justin Lawson patiently explained the function of each type of truck and the various firefighting equipment on each truck. The children were allowed to touch and hold the equipment and were thrilled to be invited to climb into the cab of the firetruck. Firefighter Lawson ended the visit by donning a fireman uniform, complete with mask and oxygen tank. He assured each child that if they should ever be caught in a burning building, they should not be afraid of a firefighter in uniform.
"He did look scary... but now I know I better not hide... he wants to help me," Hadlee Keene, 4, said.
The next stop was to the Pea Ridge Library, where students were greeted by Megan Bryant, Pea Ridge librarian. The preschoolers were treated to a read-aloud in the Children's Area. Following this, the students constructed their very own "maracas" from rice, plastic eggs and plastic spoons.
The first field trip of the 2016-2017 school year culminated with a picnic at the Pea Ridge City Park. Wendy Pruitt and Emma Swadley, teacher assistants, reported hearing many comments of "best day ever" and "so much fun" as the students loaded up for the return bus trip back to the Pre-K.
This particular field trip is not only designed to engage our students in learning the different functions and aspects of our community helpers, but it serves to introduce them to the concept that each of them are an integral part of our wonderful community.
The next field trip for the Pre-K will be Oct. 26 to the Pumpkin Patch at McGarrah Farms in Pea Ridge.
Community on 09/28/2016