Each Spring, our 5th and 6th year elementary students plan a field trip to a nearby city. This year the students chose Philadelphia and planned for a very busy three days of activities. The activities included a visit to the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Museum for a private tour and art lesson. The students visited the Philadelphia Mint to learn more about the minting of coins. Additionally, they chose to visit ‘The Art of the Brick’ exhibit at the Franklin Institute after their work with First Lego League Robotics. They ended their excursions with a visit to the Adventure Aquarium to further their research of ocean biomes for this year’s robotics competition.
The Importance of Going Out
Dr. Maria Montessori believed that learning is not limited to the classroom. The students need to explore the wider world to better understand and connect what they are learning with life. Each year the students help plan a city trip as part of their practice of “going out”. Through these excursions, the children apply practical math and language skills and deepen their understanding of topics they are studying. They also build confidence in speaking to adults, moving through public places, and managing time and money. They practice essential skills, like working with a group, compromising, and taking responsibility for themselves by planning and packing.
This is truly a student led and planned trip. The school provides the students with a budget and, with some adult guidance, plan for housing, meals, transportation, and sightseeing. This year, the students found a rental downtown and could shop and prepare meals in the apartment. This allowed them to accommodate dietary preferences and use budgeted money saved from not eating out for additional sightseeing activities.