Walk Thru California

Yesterday I had the opportunity to sit in on Jackson's Walk Thru California program. I have to say that it is a wonderful program that really engages the kids in active learning in a fun way. I remember going with Steven as well and both kids loved it. (you can see pictures of Steven's in the beginning of my blogging days April -06'). We pulled out the missionary robe that my mom made for Steven and although it was a bit short, Jackson wore it anyway (and looked totally cute!)

Here he is at the start.. coming from recess, he looked a bit warm as his face was bright red. Of course it was super hot (90+) outside.

The kids are divided into groups, complete with motto's.. his group was the Green Valleys, huuuh (then make a muscle arm)

Here is the whole room shot... lot's of parents came out to watch.

Jackson was chosen to be Father Serra in a little skit .. all he said was Si.



At the end of his skit, he got to "go for the gold" which is picking a lollipop. If the stick is dipped in gold, your team gets 50 points and you have to shout "eureka" ..which he did!


In case you are intrigued about Walk Thru California.. here is the program overview...
Experts" are challenged to listen for word clues in program and respond to our "Expert Chair" with information they have prepared and memorized based on the card in advance. No two students have the same card. All students listen closely for purposeful blunders that presenter makes during program. Students are encouraged to think out answers carefully and answer with full sentences and are rewarded for this effort!

Students participate as teams and as individuals as they travel together on an imaginary trip through the history and geography of California. They accumulate points by answering questions and finding locations based on information presented in program. This is not a passive spectator event. It is not a traditional school assembly. It is a program that involves active participation by every student. Programs are LIMITED TO 35 PARTICIPANTS. Students take a break half-way through the event and are enthusiastically waiting at the door to return!

Children travel in our "time machine" to periods of history and observe events played by other students. Authentic full-size historical flags are displayed and used by students to fix chronology in the students’ minds. Some students play the part of historical characters in our costumes . . . some may get trapped in the wilderness. . . volcanoes could erupt . . . Serra starts a mission . . . Gold is discovered . . .

The centerpiece of the program involves the assembling of a detailed three-dimensional model-map of California that is almost 20 feet long and 12 feet wide. Clues guide students to locating important geographical and historical features. An exciting race determines distances, directions, and places takes place on this model. Teams select a representative to visit special places and gain additional points in a final review. Throughout the program special music, skits, sound effects, dance, and humor help the students’ imagination capture the spirit of the state.