One of the Preschools had been invited to come and visit Linga Longa Animal Farm near Drummond. This was fantastic because we’d been trying to plan a trip out but had got stuck with no money. So the invitation was perfect timing! Thank you God!
And so it was that yesterday morning, 57 preschoolers, a few teachers and volunteers and me set off round the windy mountain road to Drummond, only about 20 minutes away. The bus carrying all the children took an unexpected detour when they missed the turning, but they arrived soon enough.
Their trip started with a feast of hot dogs, juice and party bags full of sweets and these little dolphin toys which turned out to fire mini dolphins out when aimed at the unsuspecting farm animals. Following the feast the children were let loose on the farm with carrots to feed the expectant creatures. They saw donkeys, cows, sheep, pot-bellied pigs, goats, even chickens, rabbits, tortoise and marmoset monkeys (which are a cross between cute and mean-looking at the same time, very odd).
There was also a bird park, with a very chatty cockatiel that kept them amused for ages, especially when one of the teachers started mimicking the bird. It didn’t know what to do!
The centre had swings and slides too and a big screen with cartoons so there was plenty to keep them occupied for the morning. However, all too soon it was time to get back on the coach and head back to preschool.
As I normally pop in to preschool for a short time, I was not used to the onslaught of 57 under 5s. Maximum respect to anyone who works with these ‘creatures’ full time! Their attention span was averaging 3 minutes, with the exception of our children from here, who sat engaged in the TV for ages whilst others ran around them! It’s not like they never see TV, just not usually that big!
