Disney and Teaching!

    Being a Disney cast member, you get to create “magical moments” for guest from time to time.  These are when a cast member goes above and beyond for a guest. It's usually something small that makes a guest day feel special. Today I got to use that spirit, during a school field trip. I teach in a small school, where many kids are raised below the poverty line. Making "common" experiences not so "common." 

    During the field trip, I noticed one kid staring at the escalator. At first, I didn't think anything of it.  Then, he said “I want to ride the escalator.”
I asked, “Have you ever been on one?”
His reply was “Never, Mr.Rader.”
I waited until we got to where we were going and had sat down. Then I walked up and commanded “Come with me!”
He responded “What are we doing?”
I waited to respond until the escalator was in viewing distance “You're gonna take your first escalator ride.” I stated.
    We went up the escalator; walked to the other side and came back down. That was it. Pretty simple. Right? Wrong! A fellow teacher told me later, when he came back to the group he had the biggest smile on his face.
   I always knew teaching is more than just math and reading; it's also about experiences and connecting. I didn't teach much today, due to the field trip; but I created a magical moment that he can share with his parents when he got home and talk about for days! This may not be significant to you; but, I made a kid truly happy for 60 seconds and to me, that's what matters!
      Feel free to like and comment!