Photos: Riverlawn fifth-graders visit New River Trail State Park
Riverlawn Elementary fifth-graders visit the New River Trail. Photo courtesy of Michael Kennedy, Riverlawn Elementary
The fifth-grade classes of Riverlawn Elementary School recently went on a field trip to the New River Trail State Park in Pulaski County.
The field trip was meant to encourage students to try new and different ways of being active so they can lead healthy lifestyles. As an alternative to the children’s regular physical education classes or the normal rec league sports that some of them play, this was a chance for them to try something that may be out of the norm for them.
The students were able to take advantage of great weather in the last week of October and the fantastic resources of the New River Trail by hiking a portion of the 57-mile trail. The physical-education classes accessed the trail from Xaloy off Rt. 99 in Pulaski and hiked for more than 8 miles to the Hiwassee overpass.
To many fifth-graders, an 8-mile hike can seem to be a very long distance to achieve. All of the children were successful in making it to the end, realizing that larger-than-normal tasks outside their comfort level are possible to attain, and the confidence built by such a successful task will hopefully encourage them to try new and different ideas.
The trip not only serves as a physical learning experience but can also provide social opportunities as students enjoy the company of their friends, parents and teachers. Lessons from the classroom can also extend out to the students on their hike as they are surrounded by the science of nature and the history of the land. Developing healthy bodies and healthy minds is a great way to lead a healthy lifestyle.
– Submitted by Michael Kennedy, Riverlawn Elementary
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