Teaching Aviation to Preschoolers!

Posted on 11/21/2011 @ 11:32 AM

Tags: West

Wright Brothers' first plane they flew (left) / Current Bi-plane (right)

Becky Newell, Regional Coordinator, West Florida
becky.newell@childrensmovementflorida.org

I’d like to share a letter that I received from Ginger Adelstone, a Tampa area supporter of the Children’s Movement. Ginger, who is a licensed pilot, and her Advanced Ground Instructor Steve Reisser spent two mornings in October making presentations to groups of 4 year old preschool students, teaching them about aviation.

The two spent quite a bit of time discussing how to teach preschoolers about flying. (Steve is also a college professor and a psychologist, but neither he nor Ginger had ever taught young children.) Here’s what Ginger had to say about the experience:

“I do not believe I have ever had as much fun! Needless to say, I did not go into detail concerning airspace, maneuvers, or anything we would teach in a regular class, but they now know who Snoopy and the Red Baron are, and they made, many of them, their first paper airplane!! It was fun. Steve Reisser, my Advanced Ground Instructor, spoke to the kids about the Wright Brothers, and I passed around a silk scarf (like the one Snoopy wears) and showed pictures of the Wright Brothers, with diagrams and pictures of the first plane they flew. Then I showed them a picture of a current bi-plane so they could see the difference.

I also talked about how much fun it is to be a pilot, and how I knew I wanted to fly from the age of 8 when I started watching the planes from Wright Patterson Air Force Base. But I also told them that I was 50 when I got my license. I told them their dreams can be accomplished at any age, but it was so very important for them to stay in school, and learn all they can, because without an education, not only would they not be able to fly, but they could not do anything except be bored.

But, if they wanted to become an airline pilot, they would be able to see the world, meet people from everywhere, and learn about other people's customs. They were very excited over this. It was a great presentation, and, of course I had my flight suit on. The kids loved it, and so did we!!”

Thanks to Ginger and Steve for taking the time to inspire these kids with their passion for flying!