I know this isn't much ado about Crystal Bridges, but it is important. First of all, I want to express my appreciation to the museum family for all they provided for our field trip, Friday. They made our trip possible by footing the bill for our buses and drivers, they gave students "goody" bags at the end of the day, and they provided lunch.
That's where this post comes in. My students thanked our guide, Ms. Hutchinson for the morning. They looked her in the eye and smiled. I heard Hutchinson tell another docent that she had not had a group this attentive and respectful for at least six months. She asked us if we could possibly come back every day.
Entering the dining room, we were told some quick procedures for lunch. Everyone picked up a sandwich, chips, a piece of fruit, and a bottle of water, and proceeded to sit down. I stood to the side so I could supervise while enjoying my own lunch (The sandwich hit the spot.). After a few minutes, I noticed none of my students had napkins. Had they not picked up napkins on their way through the line? No, that wasn't it.
That's where this post comes in. My students thanked our guide, Ms. Hutchinson for the morning. They looked her in the eye and smiled. I heard Hutchinson tell another docent that she had not had a group this attentive and respectful for at least six months. She asked us if we could possibly come back every day.
Entering the dining room, we were told some quick procedures for lunch. Everyone picked up a sandwich, chips, a piece of fruit, and a bottle of water, and proceeded to sit down. I stood to the side so I could supervise while enjoying my own lunch (The sandwich hit the spot.). After a few minutes, I noticed none of my students had napkins. Had they not picked up napkins on their way through the line? No, that wasn't it.
Actually, they all had napkins, spread in their laps. Earlier in the week, I had stressed the need to have manners on this day - a need to express some sophistication in such a sophisticated locale...and they remembered. A lot of people don't think this is a big deal. They may believe that I'm reaching here. Why would I make such a thing out of lap napkins?
The point it that our higher standards manifest themselves in the nuances. The difference in the Hoggatteer Experience and others in in the details. This was a real-world application for the ideas I've peddled in our classroom all year, and when the rubber met the road, my class succeeded. Did I mention they make me proud?
The point it that our higher standards manifest themselves in the nuances. The difference in the Hoggatteer Experience and others in in the details. This was a real-world application for the ideas I've peddled in our classroom all year, and when the rubber met the road, my class succeeded. Did I mention they make me proud?
