Jarrow third year Elementary students shared a great two-day adventure last week in celebration of their completion of Junior Elementary. We ritualized this moment in time, in order to respect and honor the great work accomplished both individually and together as Montessori Elementary students.
Early in her research on human development, Dr. Montessori introduced a concept she named, “Going Out”, which in traditional education is often referred to as “Field Trips”. The nuance between those two terms is this: When Montessori students leave the campus, they do not just head out into the field for an adventure, they gather up and transport the lessons they have received in Montessori including independence, responsibility, respect, and curiosity. And they take them wherever they may go.
And off they went to Cal Wood!
Adventures included amazing hiking, exploration and learning about the natural flora and fauna in the area. The children worked an authentic Homestead, making food, soap and doing chores. On Thursday evening, they had a rite of passage ceremony, with teachers and children sharing stories and memories of their time together. They were also given journals, for all their classmates to sign.
We want to give huge thanks to Sara Rector, Elise Keleher, and Nina Lindeke for their vision and guidance on this program. And thank you to Chad Blohm for going and adding his unbridled joy and energy to the group! And to the parents who helped drive up and down the mountain, thank you for your time and dedication.
This group has forged what we hope to be a new and last tradition for our program. The children returned full of joy, new friendships, deep reflections, and that particular spark that comes from trying something new, pushing oneself and having great success and pride in one’s accomplishments.
As summer begins, we encourage all Jarrow families to engage your children in some of the rewards of Going Out and invite them to take part in some of the joys and responsibilities of planning and preparing for adventures in the greater world.