Recently, the lower elementary students went on their first field trip of the year to Ludwick Farm. The farm has 9 horses and 8 goats on 42 acres. This wonderful outdoor experience was full of discovery, observation and inquiry.
One of the most important aspects of the Montessori cultural curriculum is its attention to all living things. By paying attention and learning about plants and animals, we help the children learn about the physical world that surrounds them. The cultural curriculum helps the children explore their surroundings, which helps them gain an appreciation and understanding for all of the world.
This year, we will make at least four trips to the farm. On our first visit, each of the children was presented with a bag that contained a steno notebook, mechanical pencil, tweezers, magnifying glass, compass, animal track information sheet and bug finder/viewer. Each of the children also received a disposable camera that they will use throughout the year to photograph things that they find of interest on the hiking trails.
We were taken on a tour of the barn and outbuildings. We also learned how to approach a horse (NEVER stand behind their back legs). After petting the horses (there are 9), we were shown where the food is for the animals and the tack barn. On one of our next visits, we may learn how to put a saddle on a horse. The children were very interested.
After meeting the horses and looking around, it was apparent that the goats were very eager to meet the children (there was a lot of bleating). The children were equally interested in the goats and spent a number of minutes petting them. They are very sweet animals and quite precocious. One of the girls was wearing a sweater with some fringe, and one of the goats REALLY liked it! We were told that they like to chew on a particular type of texture of clothing. The children LOVED it!
When the children were done petting the goats, we set off on the first of two trails at their farm. Before we began our hike on the Pine Tree Trail, we were reminded the children to stay away from the mud, as it can be quite yucky. The children really enjoyed walking on the trail, as it is like a tunnel of trees. Many of the children took time to observe their surroundings and most of them saw tracks made by different animals.
The children used their tweezers, magnifying glasses and bug finder/viewer to more closely observe things that they found on the trail. Some things that were collected during the hike were mushrooms, leaves, nuts and turkey feathers. The children really enjoyed the hike and were very eager. I never heard any complaints of sore/tired feet or the need for a break. We walked for the better part of two hours, but it was as if the outdoors energized the children.
After we finished our hike on the Pine Tree Trail, we went to the trail at the back of the property. It was explained to the children that they needed to pick a tree. This tree would be theirs to study for the year. Once the tree was chosen, each child took a picture of it and tied a ribbon around it so that they can find it on each trip. They will photograph their trees throughout the school year and make notes about what they observed. The children really enjoyed this activity and spent a great amount of time choosing the perfect tree.
After the children found their trees we continued on the back trail until we returned to the barn. Each of the children were provided an apple to eat for snack. When they finished eating, she showed them how to throw the apple out to the horses. The children really enjoyed watching the horses eat the apples and seemed to get a kick out of the fact that I giggled when one of the horses ate the apple from my hand.
After feeding the apples, we returned our bags and boarded the RV. Many of the children stated that one of their favorite parts of the day was riding in the RV. When we got back to school, the children wrote about their trip. They liked finding different animal tracks, turkey feathers, caterpillars and a stinky pile of horse manure. The children were also intrigued by the Michigan cellar (it used to store potatoes and onions) and a few of them even spotted a wild turkey.
Of course, none of this would have been possible if not for the incredible generosity of Ludwick Family. We are deeply appreciative for this opportunity and are so looking forward to going back as soon as possible! Thanks also to the many parents who were able to go with us. All in all, it was a fabulous day!
Submitted by: Kathy Kolata
Lower Elementary Lead Teacher
The Montessori Academy at Edison Lakes
