An Excursion

"Everyone, please line up in an orderly manner!" I instructed my students while I ushered them off the bus and to the pavilion nearby. Obediently, the five-year-olds gathered around the pavilion. After issuing a set of rules, I cast stern looks at the mischievous students.

"Do not touch the water. Understood?" I warned, my eyes affixed on Tom, the most mischievous boy in my class. He gave me an angelic grin and nodded.

We soon reached the Crimson Wetlands, stopping in front of a huge pond where Mandarin ducks were swimming. The water was sparkling clean with the ducks gliding through the water gracefully. Looking at the students' curious faces, I decided to share some facts about the ducks I had read in preparation for this excursion.

"Class, did you know that male ducks are more colourful than female ducks?" As I continued sharing more fun facts, the students oohed and aahed. But little did I know that Tom was sneaking away…

Abruptly, a sharp shout caught my attention. "Oh my goodness! What is that little boy doing?!" I turned, and to my horror, saw Tom way past the fences. The rascal was bent over, trying to reach out to touch a Mallard duck! He was teetering dangerously over the pond.

"Tom!" I called out in an extremely loud voice. Startled, Tom lost his balance and toppled over like a domino. He let out a shriek and a gigantic splash was heard as he tumbled headfirst into the water.

Panicking, I quickly jumped into the pond. Sloshing over, I grabbed him by the collar and dragged the drenched boy back to the rim of the pond, before helping him up onto dry land. Tom shivered uncontrollably. His entire head and body were covered in leaves. His shirt was wet all over too. Upon seeing Tom's appearance, his classmates burst out in laughter. I gently advised him to go to the toilet to clean himself up as much as possible with tissue, while I got him some new clothes at the souvenir shop.

Knowing he was in hot soup, Tom went up to me and apologised. Tom learnt that he should not be so disobedient and stayed close to me for the rest of the excursion. As for myself, I reminded myself to be more aware of my students whenever my class is out for an excursion.