Montessori Upper Elementary Practical Life: Going Out - Trip Ideas, Planning, and Overnight Excursions

One of my favorite questions in my upper elementary Montessori classroom is “Miss Michelle, can we go to…?” I usually respond with “Give me a full prospectus telling me why we should go and the logistics of getting there and back”. And off they go to research and write a report.

Now, if the word “prospectus” seems a bit too esoteric, consider this: Montessori Practical Life activities are meant to teach adult life skills. What better way to develop the ability to plan a project or trip than to do it in a safe, nurturing Montessori environment?

Montessori uses“going out” trips to experience the real world, not that which is confined to the four walls of the classroom, as well as to acquire ‘culture’.

Montessori Upper Elementary Practical Life: Going Out - Trip Ideas, Planning, and Overnight Excursions

Culture in the Montessori sense refers to learning and internalizing the basic standards, expectations, rules and laws of one’s own cultures as well as that of others. Going out trips may include going to the theatre, the symphony, an art museum or a fossil hunt. Or, they may be more extensive and exotic such as overnight environmental camping trips or visiting historical or cultural sites.

The overnight trip is a rite of passage for upper elementary Montessori students. Students are able to apply Practical Life skills that they've acquired through their Montessori years to a real life situation. They also have the opportunity to develop new skills and each student comes away with a new recognition and appreciation of his or her ability to make a meaningful contribution to the community. The learning environment is not just a few hours, but an extended period of time. Parent chaperones are not encouraged unless absolutely necessary in order to give students the freedom to learn and grow on their own.

An overnight going out is more than merely a campout. In true Montessori style, the students are responsible for the planning, organizing, and decision making. They select the location, which often is related to a current topic of study or student interest. There are trip logistics to be made: site location; transportation and chauffeurs; reservations; accommodations; menus; finances; packing lists; and activities. There are committees and teams to be formed. Permission must be granted both from the teachers, administration and parents. Budgets must be established and followed. Shopping lists and trips must be made. Inventories of camping gear, if necessary, must be taken. Schedules of chores must be assigned. What at first seemed a simple trip now turns into a major project.

As with all Montessori work there is an underlying purpose to these going out excursions. In a meaningful context, upper elementary students get to practice and apply all of the Practical Life skills they’ve been developing since their early years in the Montessori primary environment. With gentle, nurturing, proactive guidance from their Montessori teachers, they are able to actively pursue their own interests and find their own unique abilities within the safety of their immediate community.

Related NAMC blogs:

• Montessori Upper Elementary Practical Life: Outdoor Activities
• Upper Elementary Practical Life: Indoor Activities

As much as possible, NAMC’s web blog reflects the Montessori curriculum as provided in its teacher training programs. We realize and respect that Montessori schools are unique and may vary their schedules and offerings in accordance with the needs of their individual communities. We hope that our readers will find our articles useful and inspiring as a contribution to the global Montessori community.