Mrs. Stuart's Travel Assignment

My favorite place to travel is Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. I have been going there since I was a young child, and it has never lost the magic for me. Below is a picture of my family at the park during my son's first trip. He was nine months old, and we went to Disneyland to celebrate his first Thanksgiving.

That place holds so many fond memories for me, and we continue to visits it several times per year. The suspension of disbelief and the magic I experience there every time I walk through the gates is amazing. As your ticket is checked and you walk inside, cast members (the name for people who work at the park) greet you and say "Welcome Home." This is exactly what I feel like each time I visit - like I am coming home.

I am a member of a website full of people who love Disneyland and visit as often as possible. It is called Visions Fantastic, a reference from the theme song of a very popular show at the park, Fantasmic. Since I live so far away and do not get to go to the park half as often as I wish, this community is like a lifeline for me. Different members take pictures, post updates on construction and other events at the park, or post trip reports detailing how much fun they have when they go. One member, RU42, has even compiled video ride-thrus of many of the rides at Disneyland. It's almost like being there! Below, I've shared a video he made of one of my favorite rides in the park: Pirates of the Caribbean.

When we go on vacation, I like to drive. Road trips are a lot of fun, providing time to talk to friends and family, sing songs and draw out the anticipation of the fun ahead. Also, driving to your destination gives you the freedom to stop whenever you want and see some things you might never know existed otherwise. For instance, between our home and Disneyland, there is a small kitschy museum. It is called The Thing. Large purple and yellow signs for miles advertise and peak your curiosity - what exactly is "The Thing?" It is not a travel destination, but a fun stop on the way.

Traveling can do many things for a person. It can open their mind and expose them to other people, other cultures and other activities than they are used to in their home environment. Having this exposure can allow you to be more kind and empathetic others. Also, when you travel with others, you have a chance to grow closer to those people. Many relationships in my own life have been strengthened by way of a good road trip. One of the most important things travel can do for a person is provide stress relief. Vacations are fun!

Let's Talk About Travel!

I know the first thing you all expect me to ask on the first day of school is "What did you do on your summer vacation?" Instead, we are going to focus in a little more. Specifically, we are going to talk about traveling. Answering the questions below, I would like you to start your personal classroom blog with a post about your favorite place to travel. Please remember to use a lot of details and write complete paragraphs when responding to each question!

1. What is your favorite place to travel?
2. What is your favorite method of transportation?
3. What benefits do we reap from traveling?

You may start this assignment during your technology center this week. I'd like you to include a link, a picture and a video. Don't forget to respond to other student's posts! Below, I will post my own response as a guide.

((This assignment uses a guided partnering method. Technology is completely involved for this assignment. Our four classroom computers are located in a Technology Center in the corner of the room with the screen facing the open room. Two other groupings of tables are located in the room for other centers, and the corner opposite from the computers is a recharge area with a cushy rugs, a chair and bookcases with books and educational games.))