Today I was in 4th grade. I started off as a teacher, but that only lasted for about twenty minutes. During my first lesson, Ancsa, the assistant principal, interrupted my class to tell me that I had been invited to visit the first station with the 4th graders.
A few moments later a couple excited little 4th graders knocked on my door and gestured that I must follow them. I looked at the 6th grade students in my room, shrugged, told them class was over early today, and followed the 4th graders outside.
Ancsa: "Just go with the children when they come get you, okay?"
me: "Um, okay. But what about the rest of my classes today?
Ancsa: "I will tell them you are gone, don't worry."
me: "Um, okay. But what about the rest of my classes today?
Ancsa: "I will tell them you are gone, don't worry."
A few moments later a couple excited little 4th graders knocked on my door and gestured that I must follow them. I looked at the 6th grade students in my room, shrugged, told them class was over early today, and followed the 4th graders outside.
The rest of the class was waiting in a nice double line, snacking on apples. I approached the teacher and thanked her for inviting me. She smiled, handed me an apple and said, "lunch." At that moment I realized the rest of my afternoon would be spent as a 4th grade American exchange student. Walking with the children across town with my apple in hand, I felt a bit like Billy Madison.
"Kalocsa Fire Department" patch from a fireman's jacket
We arrived at the station and filed into the building for an introductory cartoon about fire safety. After the film we were shown the dispatch room and the firemen answered some questions. Then we headed outside for a tour of the vehicles.
They extended the ladder all the way up and explained how it is used.
We were shown each type of truck and a group of fireman slid down the pole to illustrate how quickly they can get to the trucks. Then the children were set loose, free to climb in and all over the trucks.
There were two different trucks for the children to explore.
The children had a blast sitting in every seat and even trying on some helmets.
Szabolcs tries out the driver's seat.
The kids had a great time and I became the photographer for the group. Once each kid had a chance to explore every part they wanted to, we lined up again for the walk back to school. I enjoyed my afternoon as a 4th grader. They are one of my favorite classes, mostly because they are so excited to learn English. Even though I played the part of a student, I did enjoy the sneaky English conversation practice that the trip prompted.
