“School field trips had always been a welcome escape from
routine, particularly when they'd involved aquariums or grown-ups dressed in
colonial costumes.” ~Kristin Gore, Sammy's House
Why do schools take the time and ask parents to shoulder the
expense of school field trips? I have
heard that question many times in my educational career. Many schools have cut field trips from budgets
or don’t want to give up time in the classroom to field trips. Due to this there
has been a lot of research on the question of field trips over the past few
years. Do field trips have true educational
value is a question researchers have been striving to answer. In everything I have read the answer has been
a resounding yes. The skills and knowledge students gain from going on field
trips is significant. However, the type
of field trip is important. An enriching
field trip (visiting a museum, seeing a play, conducting community service) had
great educational value. Rewarding field
trips (going to an amusement park, seeing a movie, going to a sporting event)
do not show statistical educational value.
One researcher quote that was particularly poignant to me
was, “We don’t just want our children to acquire work skills from their
education; we also want them to develop into civilized people who appreciate
the breadth of human accomplishments. The school field trip is an important
tool for meeting this goal.” This quote
summed up what we are trying to accomplish in our Classical Education
program. I feel you have chosen Classical
Education for the above stated purpose and school field trips are just one way
for us accomplish the end result we strive for at Eagle Ridge Academy. If you are interested in reading more of the research on field trips, let me know. I'm happy to send it to you.
So...this past week the 1st grade students took a
field trip. They attended a play at the
Stages Theater in Hopkins. It was based on
the book Goodnight Moon. After
attending the field trip, the first grade students reflected on their
experience. Below is a picture of one reflection
from a student in Mrs. Sahli’s classroom.
Mrs. Sahli’s class has had a busy week. They have been working long and hard to fill
the feathers in their classroom CIPHER poster.
In order to get each feather, they have to work together to demonstrate
each of the Pillars. Every class in the
Lower School does this in order to teach the all-important skills of teamwork
and collaboration. Connecting these
skills to the Pillars make them even more meaningful. Once the poster is filled, the class has a
CIPHER party. Mrs. Sahli’s class had a reading
beach party with leis, juice, and a cookie cake (donated by Parth’s dad). The best part of the party was the beach
towel reading time! Check out the pictures of this special time celebrating
their accomplishment below.
Have a fantastic week!
Mrs. Baier
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