break em in early

[unknownfate]

So, we took the little guys on their first field trip today. We went down to the beach to let them beachcomb a little. They found rocks and shells, feathers and driftwood, and a few stranded sea weeds. It was windy and cold and the gray waves were crashing and we had police escort in case of bears. It was weird and stressful, but I think they enjoyed it. A few of the grownups mentioned that is was a shame there wasn't more stuff for them to dig up. Parents wanted to go out ahead of time, to plant things for them to find.

It wasn't until later that I found this.

Now, I'm just glad that we didn't stumble on that beach. Preschool is too early for that kind of trauma, though it might deaden the pain that comes in 4th or 5th grade when the reading list turns torturous. (Where the Red Fern Grows, Bridge to Terabithia, Diary of Ann Frank, The Yearling, Taste of Blackberries, Red Pony, etc.)

Comments

[rosehiptea.livejournal.com]

Oh wow, I'm glad you didn't stumble on that beach too.

I hadn't thought about how many depressing books with death in them there are out there for grade-schoolers. I do remember us reading one where a kid got stung to death by bees, though I can't remember the title.

[bane-6.livejournal.com]

That might be The Taste of Blackberries. And there's more, many more. I didn't even mention Charlotte's Web or Old Yeller.

[slayersyrena.livejournal.com]

Speaking of sad books, I'm reading Old Yeller right now. Found it on our bookshelf and realized I had seen the movie but never read the book.

It's a shame the movie left out the bull fight scene though. That really had me laughing.

[bane-6.livejournal.com]

There's a sequel to the book. I don't know if there was ever a movie for it. Savage Sam, about the puppy.

[slayersyrena.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I saw the movie 'Savage Sam' as well. Didn't know it existed until Stephen rented it.