Book Nerd Nirvana

As a teacher, we are entitled to certain perks; lengthy vacations, an endless supply of coffee mugs, and the opportunity to take your students to magical places (mostly within our imaginations).  This past week my 5th graders and I were fortunate to physically travel to a magical place - Islands of Adventure at Universal Studios.  

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 As a chaperone, I hand selected a group of five students to look after throughout the trip whom I knew would feel enriched from more than the thrill seeking aspect of the park (I can't ride roller coasters like I used to).  I wanted my students to experience the thrill and wonders of books becoming a tangible world to explore and astonish.  From Dr. Suess, the Marvel Comic Series, Michael Chrichton's Jurassic Park, and the Wizarding World of Harry Potter - this was an ideal place for my students to experience first hand how vital is it to fall in love with books.

I have not been shy about my love for all things Harry Potter, and this field trip allowed my true colors to shine through. While I am not permitted to encourage my students to read any of the seven Harry Potter books in school (protesting parents have deemed the series controversial due to wizardry and magical themes),  I did explain to my students how my love for Harry Potter all stemmed from The Philosophers Stone and never ceased to grow.  

Can't travel to Harry Potter World without my Gryffindor Backpack 

 My students said the best part of the trip was experiencing my happiness while exploring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, recalling events from the series, and speaking to park employees in character reprising their roles.  I also spent much of the day explaining major plot lines of Jurassic Park and encouraging discussion on science exploration, what types of consumers each dinosaur would have been, and searching for our favorite Dr. Suess quotes in Suess Landing.  I could feel how excited these kids were to see the words and characters they've spent so much time reading come to life right before them.  

 I hope that the majority of people who visit Islands of Adventure are die hard book fanatics like me and my five students - Whether it's for Jurassic Park, Spider Man, Dr. Suess, or Harry Potter.  Forget all the rides and roller coasters, IOA is truly meant to be nirvana for book nerds seeing their favorite tales come to life.