World Ocean School’s Roseway program is one of the most amazing field trips in the Boston area. Last Friday, fifth graders started their day out with shouts of ‘I’m a star!’ to warm up to the challenges of a human knot. Frustration in challenging problem solving was followed by cheering and applause as the children discovered communication and cooperation really are the keys to solving problems.

Once on board, the Roseway crew demonstrated the importance of teamwork as they shouted commands to each other to move away from the dock. Students watched with curiousity. It wasn’t long before they too were demonstrating their cooperative efforts as they raised the sails and were underway. Classes in knot tying, chart reading, coiling ropes, and Boston history followed under the beautiful sea breezes and gentle waves.

The three hours on the Boston Harbor went by very quickly and as we pulled into the dock, I could hear the students agree that they were glad that they had the chance to be a part of the crew. What a great tie-in to our decade of working with sailors, including our ‘teacher at sea,’ Skipper Rich Wilson, who was speaking about his book highlighting the transoceanic voyages that he completed as students across the world followed him via his sitesALIVE! website.

Thanks to the World Ocean Schools enthusiastic efforts to excite and engage the students.

One of the Roseway crew at work.

Roseway educational director Eden Leonard shares her enthusiasm for sailing with the fifth grade crew.

Teamwork and cooperation is encouraged on the schooner Roseway.