Why go on an Expedition?

The “Galapagos for Kids” series is based on my 2018 Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship. They are short, educational narratives written for a student audience at a K-5 reading level to enhance geographic education.

There is so much of the world to see! Photo by Alison Travis

You might be asking, "But why is Ms. Travis going on an expedition? She will not be at school." That is true. But when I come back, I think it will make me a better teacher. Here is why I want to go and why I am so excited:

1. I can make lots of connections to school.

The Galapagos Islands are a very special place. You will hear more about why soon. I can connect the islands to what we learn in Science about the earth, volcanoes, weather, the ocean, plants, and animals. Wow! They also connect to what we learn in Social Studies about maps and explorers. When you connect things outside of the classroom to what you do inside the classroom, you learn more and you have more fun!

2. I love to learn!

Did you know all teachers love to learn? We get to learn every day with our students! After this expedition, I will know so many new things about places, animals, and plants. I will meet new people and do new things. I will solve new problems, which always happens when you travel. Travel can also help you find new ways to solve old problems. Then, I will get to share my learning at school. Teachers talk and help each other a lot. I will help other teachers to make connections, too.

3. It will be hard.

I love airports - they are the gates to the world!

Do you choose to do things that are hard for you? Maybe sometimes you do, and sometimes you don’t. We all know that doing hard things makes us smarter and helps us grow. It can be good for us, even if it does not really feel good. Travel is fun, just like learning is fun. But travel can also be a little scary, just like learning can be a little scary, and that is okay. So on my expedition, I will practice being a little bit brave, just like you do sometimes.

4. It will be fun!

One of my favorite things to do is go to see new places and learn about them. When you learn about a place, you understand it. When you understand it, you are kind to it and can help it. Just like you, I love to have adventures. I am doing this to make you excited to go on more adventures, too! They are all around us if you look. You can have one today! You can go far away, but you don’t have to. You can also go on your own expedition to a place nearby, or even in your backyard.

If you went on an expedition, where would you go? What would you want to learn?