In a Montessori elementary environment, “Going Outs” refers to the practice of taking students on excursions outside the classroom. The difference between a Going Out and a Field Trip is that a Going Out is with a few children from the class, where the children have planned the trip themselves. A Field Trip involves the whole class where the adult in the environment has planned the trip.

Going Outs are integral to the Montessori method and offer several educational benefits aligned with its principles. They provide the students with real-world learning as it emphasizes knowledge through direct experience. Going Outs engage the students in real-life situations making them tangible and meaningful for the child. These experiences can be an extension to a lesson on the environment, such as a trip to a local farm, or a follow-up work from a lesson on zoology, aquaculture, biology, or environmental science.

Many Montessori programs stress a strong connection to nature. Going Outs will include trips to natural settings, such as parks, nature reserves, or botanical gardens, promoting environmental awareness and respect for nature. Students observe and investigate the natural world, improving their observational skills and encouraging scientific inquiry and exploration.

Montessori education values student autonomy. Going Outs encourage students to take responsibility for their learning by planning, preparing, and reflecting on their experiences. Students navigate new environments, practice organizational skills, and manage logistics, which are important aspects of the Montessori practical life curriculum and critical life skills.

Outings often require students to work together, fostering teamwork and communication skills. These experiences help build strong social relationships and teach them how to interact respectfully with others. Successfully managing the experience of Going Out can boost their confidence and self-esteem, reinforcing their ability to handle new and challenging situations.

Going Outs expose students to different cultures, communities, and historical sites, broadening their understanding of the world and fostering cultural appreciation. Visiting local businesses, museums, or community centers helps to connect them with their community and understand its workings and values.

After outings, students engage in reflection activities, including discussions and presentations, which help integrate their experiences with their classroom learning. Follow-up activities that are used to reinforce the lessons from the trip can be projects or research relating to the subject.

The Montessori environment at the elementary level enhances education by providing real-world experiences, promoting independence and responsibility, supporting social and emotional development, fostering environmental and cultural awareness, and integrating learning through reflection. These outings align with the Montessori principles of experiential and student-centered learning, enriching the child’s overall experience.

Written by Meaghan Biggs, Aspen Lower Elementary Guide

October 2024