Season 2 Episode 7: The Montessori "Going Out" Experience in the Elementary Classroom

19/02/2025 9 min Temporada 2 Episodio 7

Listen "Season 2 Episode 7: The Montessori "Going Out" Experience in the Elementary Classroom"

Episode Synopsis

Today we’re exploring a distinctive element of the Montessori Elementary curriculum: the "Going Out" experience. If you've ever wondered how Montessori education extends beyond the classroom walls and integrates real-world experiences into learning, this episode is for you.
We’ll discuss the concept of "Going Out," its benefits, how it differs from Children’s House outings, the role of parents and chaperones, and the importance of planning. We’ll also touch on how multiple "Going Out" experiences can enrich the academic year, supported by research and insights from Montessori educators.
So, let’s dive in and explore how "Going Out" is not just a field trip but a fundamental part of the Montessori approach to Elementary education.


In the Montessori Elementary classroom, "Going Out" is more than just a break from the usual learning environment; it's an integral part of the curriculum designed to extend learning into the real world. Unlike field trips, which are typically whole-class events, "Going Out" often involves small groups of children—sometimes just two or three—venturing into the community to conduct research, explore a topic of interest, or gather resources for a classroom project.
The concept is rooted in Maria Montessori’s belief that as children grow, their learning should expand beyond the classroom, connecting them to the broader world. "Going Out" helps children take responsibility for their learning, fostering independence, and initiative.
Key Elements of "Going Out":

It is student-initiated and often emerges from the children’s own questions or projects.

Small groups of children plan, organize, and execute these outings with the guidance of their teacher.

The outings are purposeful, aimed at gaining specific knowledge, skills, or materials.


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