"When a 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.
What and Why?
"Going out” is an essential element in the Montessori primary school program and is very different from a traditional field trip. The children "go out” in small groups as an extension of their research and to gain experiences in the world outside the classroom.
For example children may wish to find out more about the planets in the solar system so may visit the observatory OR a group of children may be interested in understanding about the history of Wellington so may visit a local museum that they know has information to help them. A folder of pamphlets with possible ideas for ‘Going out’ experiences is kept in class. Students will discuss the purpose and scope of their trip with the teacher before embarking on it. Going out locations may be no further than a 30 minute drive from Ōtari School.
The children develop independence, resourcefulness, and self-confidence through functioning capably in the larger world without adult assistance. Ideally the children should "go out” on their own by walking or taking public transportation to their destination, but in our time and place safety dictates the adaptation of adult accompaniment.
The adult intervenes only to:
- Ensure the children’s safety by preventing inappropriate adult interaction
- Interrupt unsafe or inappropriate behaviour return the children to school immediately
- Observe, record, and transmit the experience to the teacher
Before Leaving
The children should be prepared to:
- Carry all that they need—food, notebooks, pencils, money, ID, guidebooks, etc—in a backpack by themselves
- Handle all money transactions
- Conduct all communications for the group
- Know what behaviour is expected of them before leaving the classroom
- Direct the driver to the destination through a map or written instructions
- Stop, look, and listen before crossing at parking areas, driveways, and streets
- Stay within sight of the adult at all times
In Transit
Children must be seat-belted at all times. Lively conversational tones are normal.
Upon Arrival
Children are to get out of the car on the curb (foot path) side and wait for the adult. All children should remain close together. The adult stays with the children, watching that all their behaviour is safe and appropriate, that the environment is safe, and that any adult interaction with them is safe and appropriate.
At the Destination
The children should be prepared to pay entrance fees and find their own way using maps, directions, and guidebooks. They should be the ones that seek out the contact person, if there is one, and introduce themselves.
Any time the children have questions during the "Going Out,” they find adults other than the parent driver to answer them. We want to give the children the support they need to conduct the outings entirely through their own efforts.
In the case of unsafe or inappropriate behaviour, the adult makes no comment on it, gives no guidance, but only returns immediately to school. The teacher, who helps the chaperone, gives guidance at the school and children discuss how to have a successful trip next time.
Rules for Riding in Cars for Going Out
- Each passenger will board from the curbside of the vehicle only.
- Each passenger will take a seat and buckle up.
- While the vehicle is in motion, the children will remain seated and belted.
A permission form for Going Out experiences will be sent home. All parent chaperones will be Police checked to ensure child safety. You will be advised in written form about any ‘Going Out’ trips your child is wishing to undertake.