Museum of Tolerance

[Prudence]

I don't have kids yet, and remembering back to sixth grade is sometimes a stretch, but I think we could have handled that sort of trip without major problems. I do think the experience will be enhanced if you talk with your son about the experience, but that's true of most educational field trips.

Actually, I think it's the perfect age to go. They're old enough to some sense that history isn't all Washington Crossing the Delaware and "Mr. Watson, come here, I need you." They're either headed for jr. high or already in middle school - which means that before too long the "cooler than you" fences will be too fortified to allow any impact. That doesn't mean it will be easy or fun, but learning that not everything is easy or fun in a controlled setting is a valuable lesson itself.

Oh, and when I was in sixth grade we did the whole "Pioneer Farms" thing. What a snoozer that was. We had to do this whole unit in preparation of making pioneer toys and crafts and crap. We were way too old to be making wooden spoon dolls. It would have been great for 4th graders, maybe.

[MouseWife]

I think you are right about getting them before that attitude. But, sadly, I guess I am thinking of how those who have that attitude already might ruin the experience for the others.

You didn't like the 'Pioneer Farms'? I'll have to check your link but I haven't been to Riley Farms, either, just their webpage. I'd personally love to do that. Ha ha, that would be a crazy LoT meet, get as many as possible to participate in the war activity. Or the wagon trek? Okay, I'd pass on the wagon trek, you don't have any horses, YOU have to pull the wagon! Now, I KNOW they had horses back in the day....

I will work with my son {with the help of everyone here and their input } and if I have to I will seperate us from the groups {I am assuming it will be like any other trip where we have groups of children to monitor} so that mine can experience it freely without any comments from the 'cooler than you' kids.

I do appreciate everyones opinions and advice! Keep it coming!

The trip is in June so I have time to do my homework.

[MouseWife]

Update:

So, I've been searching the MOT website for worksheets and help for parents/teachers, buying books and asking the older kids to discuss the subject with the Boy when they are able. Always taking opportunies. Also, I gave him another book to read, I think it is called 'Jacobs Rescue'.

I had opportunity to go in to the school office with another mom and there is the principal. So I ask her if I can drive up and take my son home with me? Sure, no problem, he is your kid. {my sentiments exactly} Then I ask her how this trip came about if they aren't studying the subject? She said 'Oh yes, they are. They read that book about 'Stars'.' I said 'Number The Stars? Yes, but that is it.'

So she goes on to assure me that they are being prepared and they are discussing intolerance in class often. I say 'Intolerance and The Holocaust are two very different things.' She assures me that we have situations going on today {Dafur} and I probably rolled my eyes and said 'Well, this is why I want to go with my son'. She said it was also up to the parents to discuss the matter with the kids and I said that I indeed was.

So. The next thing I hear is that my son says they discussed the Holocaust in class that day {after I spoke with her}. I had to laugh. Because...it turns out that while they are going to the MOT they are NOT doing the Holocaust part. The person they booked the trip with said they are too young. It is at least for 7th graders.

So, I tell this to my sons teacher who gave me a look like 'Really?' Talk about communication between the teachers!! The teacher in charge, it was her event, she only invited the other students, I think, to help bring down the costs but it didn't.

So. I was hit with 'Do I really want to go on this bus for all of that time on two seperate 2 1/2 hour tours with these kids??? With these adults???' I decided yes because from what I've seen, I really need to be there to see what my son is being taught.

AND I realized that thier trip is on 'D-Day'. I wonder if they'll touch upon that?

Thanks you guys for all of your help. While they won't be doing it this time around, we will. If I had someone to drive up with I wouldn't ride the bus and I would hang out longer up in L.A. but alas I can't. So, just the two tours and a bunch of kids.