What Are Going Outs?
Dear Maria,
What are “Going Outs”? How do they help our children learn? Can I help?
Sincerely,
Cascadia parent
Dear Cascadia parent,
Going Outs are a key piece of the Montessori elementary experience that have not been possible during the last two school years due to the pandemic. To my delight, Cascadia guides will soon be able to make these opportunities available again! A Going Out is a child-led outing from the classroom and can take various forms. Children might go on an errand for the class community or for supplies for a special project (cooking, baking, arts & crafts, special experiment, etc.). They might go and see something in-person that they’ve been researching in class. Going to see a native animal or plant in its natural ecosystem, visiting the zoo to observe an animal, picking up books at the public library or visiting an expert to talk more about a topic or see a special demonstration might all be research-related going outs.
The possibilities are endless and limited only to the child’s imagination…and to practicalities, because a vital part of Going Outs is that the children organize everything themselves! They’re responsible for organizing chaperones, transportation, necessary things to bring along, and getting an appointment or tickets if necessary. Going Outs are a huge part of how Elementary children learn about the world and practice independence!
Of course with the youngest children, your child’s guide and assistant will give lessons on Going Outs or assist them with planning their first trips. Or, young children might be invited to go along with an older and more experienced child and learn the process that way. Guides have established Going Out procedures to aid children in taking on this responsibility for themselves.
Cascadia relies on parent volunteers to be going out drivers. A driver takes a small group of children on a Going Out and accompanies the children while they are out. There will be a meeting about your role as a driver and Going Out accompanier before you take any trips with students. Once you decide to be a driver, Cascadia will put your name on a list of potential drivers, and you may be contacted by children scheduling a Going Out.
