Special Education Class Treated to Once in Lifetime Opportunity to Bond with Penguins
Children have a tendency to form unique bonds with books and the stories that they tell. A special education school based out of Minnesota took a class' interest in the Mr. Popper's Penguins book a step further.
(prHWY.com) March 27, 2012 - Seattle, WA -- Children have a tendency to form unique bonds with books and the stories that they tell. A special education school based out of Minnesota took a class' interest in the Mr. Popper's Penguins book a step further, and allowed them to experience the thrills and chills on Antarctica first-hand on a cruise.
"The children just seemed to love the concept of penguins, and exploring the Artic area", said special education teacher and event organizer, Peggy St. Claire. "The cruise was a way to integrate their love of the book into something they could visualize and remember for the rest of their lives."
The 25 children and their families were treated to an all-expenses paid vacation on an
Antarctica cruise. While on board the ship, families were treated to lectures and seminars by leaders in the special education industry. Children were treated to hands-on activities, tours on the ship, and sight-seeing expeditions that allowed them to see the artic area up close and personal.
"Children were able to see polar bears, penguins and glaciers just a hands length away from them", said St. Claire. "While this could have been done at the local zoo or aquarium the cruise experience just enhanced it."
The community of St. Cloud, Minnesota banded together to accept donations to send the 25 students and their families on the cruise. Local librarians and educational experts worked to develop crafts, activities, and book discussions that revolved around the beloved book Mr. Popper's Penguins.
"The activities were fun-loving and just a chance for children to really connect with the book", said Terri Winslow, parent of one of the children on the cruise. "I never really saw my child react to anything, but when he read this book something clicked. And I saw it in the rest of the students."
This once in a lifetime opportunity was documented throughout the 5 day cruise by a photographer and video photographer who plan on turning it into an independent film. The film tentatively titled "A Love of Penguins" will be shown at the local Minneapolis film festival, and show the children's journey.
"A Love of Penguins shows how this group of children developed a love for penguins from a timeless classic", said film director John Burgis. "It also depicts love, family connections, and a community that steps up to provide these children with something special that they will remember for years to come. Anyone who watches it will be crying by the end, it's that touching."
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