Ms. Frizzle Rides Again!
Remember Ms. Frizzle and the Magic School Bus?
Her adventurous spirit and love of science takes even the most reluctant students on fascinating journeys in her Magic School Bus. They can shrink to the size of a germ inside the human body; travel to the ocean floor, dive inside a volcano or race through outer space; and even zoom back in time to walk alongside dinosaurs.
I always wanted to be Ms. Frizzle.
When I noticed we had a book fair on October 31st, Halloween Day, I decided now was the time!
It wasn’t until the third graders arrived that it really “clicked” with the kids. When I told them I was Ms. Frizzle, their eyes got big, they started whispering to each other and huge smiles spread across their faces. Of course, this just inspired me to step more fully into the role, encouraging them to choose “my favorite books” (i.e. non-fiction books about science). Of course, they found my books and on their way out showed me the ones they had selected.
I had so much fun which continued even as I awoke the following morning with a smile remembering some of the short conversations “Ms. Frizzle” shared with these students. It reminded me of my “Why” for dedicating time and effort to bring books to children who otherwise, most likely, will not experience this joy of meeting so many fun, quirky characters in literature.
These precious students had never met me nor had I met them. We live more than 30 miles apart, do not shop at the same grocery store or attend the same church BUT we both know Ms. Frizzle. She became a bridge between us over which we could share delight, questions, and knowledge. This is the power of books. Complete strangers can form a bond over any shared interest but the experiences of books or stories link us as humans.
Who do you want to connect with? A co-worker, sibling, child, neighbor?
Maybe sharing a book will help bridge that gap.
Try it and then let me know how it works.
My heart overflows with gratitude for you – the donors, volunteers, supporters – who give so generously! Thanks to you on NTX Giving Day, we met our match and more than doubled giving over last year. You are record-breakers with us as each year, the number of children who select books grows!
Your generosity brought Ms. Frizzle to over 500 students last week! She was able to share her love of learning and the wonder of our beautiful world. When she can’t be there, I have the privilege of going in her stead, which is truly a dream come true.
With gratitude,
Michelle