GTMS Life > Blog April 6, 2024

Magnolia PADM: All About Field Trips!

“When the child goes out, it is the world itself that offers itself to him. Let us take the child out to show him real things instead of making objects which represent ideas and closing them in cupboards.” – Maria Montessori Why do we do Field Trips? Field trips are a wonderful way to connect […]

“When the child goes out, it is the world itself that offers itself to him. Let us take the child out to show him real things instead of making objects which represent ideas and closing them in cupboards.”

– Maria Montessori

Why do we do Field Trips?

Field trips are a wonderful way to connect children to the world around them. It can expose them to new environments and teach them valuable skills that will help continue to foster their independence! On these trips the children are able to put practical skills they are practicing into action.

We go on whole class field trips every Tuesday morning. We love to go to different parks throughout the city! Some favorites are Coxe Park, Sister Cities, Von Coln, and Winter Street Playground. Being at different parks gives the opportunity for different types of gross motor skills to be practiced.

Once a month we go to the free library of Philadelphia to have story time with Ms. Mary and check out books for the classroom. If there is a holiday or special occasions happening the children love to find books that talk about them. This is a great way to add more books to the classroom that reflect the interest and lives of the children! At the library the children ask the librarians questions to have them assist in finding books that mirror their interests.

If we have a special food project in mind, are planning a tasting circle, or are just in need of some more snack we will go grocery shopping with the children. They will assist in writing a shopping list and retrieving items from throughout the store. They pick produce and are mindful of dietary restrictions. The grocery store is a great way to talk about new food with the children and brainstorm ideas for new flavors to bring into the classroom. And of course, its always fun to search for Marty the robot at Giant!

Our school being in Philadelphia gives us so many wonderful opportunities to explore! We love to take children on walks through the surrounding neighborhoods and hear about their observations of homes, people, animals, plants, and weather. We have so many wonderful places at our fingertips. We have gone to the Schuykill river trail for picnics, the firehouse for tours, and we hope to explore more local museums soon.

In the Kindergarten year there are special field trips organized for the entire GTMS Kindergarten cohort. With older children, smaller groups, and parent chaperones we are able to experience even more of the city together! This years the Kindergarteners have ventured to the Firehouse, Rittenhouse farmers market, PAFA, Chinatown, and are going to Grumblethorpe next week!

Trekking With Children

If you are planning an excursion with a group of children, or even a planning to go to a new place with your child, here are some ways that we prepare for trips.

Before we go on a fieldtrip with children we make sure to tell them where we are going, and when we are going a few hours before we get ready to go. This helps the children prepare, and allows them time to ask questions in advance. Having field trips on the same day of the week, every week, has helped the children get into a routine and know what to expect.

We try to ensure we have everything we need in our backpack so the children can be comfortable for the entirety of the trip. In our backpack we have extra hats and gloves, so if children get cold while we are walking or are spending our trip outside, we can provide some comfort. We bring snack and a pitcher of water (If we are going somewhere that eating is appropriate). And of course, we always have a first-aid kit and ice packs in case there are any bumps along the way!

We make sure all the children are dressed in their outside shoes and jackets, and use the bathroom, before lining up to leave. They line up with their walking partners. We pair older children with younger children to hold hands throughout our walk. We have adults at the beginning, middle, and end of the line and an adult to act as our crossing guard.

We always set clear boundaries for the place We are going to. “We are going to the park, so lets play!” or “We are going to a museum, so we must use quiet voices and walking feet.” When we get to our destination, we reiterate the expectations of the space we are in. Of course the most important expectation being, we all came here together, so we are all leaving together!