Field trip added to education on plants
The Pantagraph
Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Today (June 23) I had the opportunity to chaperone a field trip for my son's preschool class at Chesterbrook Academy. The 4- and 5-year-olds had been studying plants, so they took a trip to Owen Nursery on Morrissey Drive in Bloomington.

Bill came out to the parking lot to greet the kids as soon as we arrived. At an age appropriate level, he gave the kids a tour of the nursery and explained different kinds of plants to them. He very patiently answered their many questions and let them touch plants as appropriate to satisfy their curiosity.

After the tour was done, he allowed each of the 16 kids to pick a small flower. They were then taken to the back room where they could plant their flower in a cup. There was a large table filled with stickers, crayons, markers and many other things where the kids could decorate their cup. In order to get their flower home safely, they were each given a sack, which they used the many supplies to decorate as well. As we were leaving, each child was given a balloon and a gardening coloring book to take home.This field trip was completely free. Kudos to Bill and Owen Nursery for their generosity and willingness to add to their education. The kids really enjoyed themselves, and the trip reinforced their learning for the week!

Kris N.
Bloomington