Using the Montessori Approach to Field Trips

In Montessori education, field trips, also known as “going out,” allow students to explore the world beyond their classroom walls. Through these outings, students engage directly with their surroundings, deepening their learning in ways that are both practical and meaningful.

Montessori field trips are more than just outings—they’re opportunities for students to take charge of the planning process. Students research destinations, organize the trip, and manage logistics based on their interests, gaining valuable skills like communication, budgeting, and time management.

Even when plans change or trips don’t happen as expected, the process of adapting and problem-solving enhances their learning experience. Dr. Maria Montessori believed that these hands-on, real-life lessons help students not only grasp academic concepts but also develop life skills that are essential in the real world.

A Teacher’s Role in Going Out

While field trips are student-driven, teachers play an important role in guiding the process. Instead of planning the trip themselves, teachers help students develop essential skills in research, organization, and execution. This requires patience and trust, but the payoff is immense, as students take ownership of their learning in a meaningful way.

Teachers can support students by asking guiding questions like these:

• What do you want to learn from this outing?
• How does this trip relate to what you’re learning in class?
• Who do you need to contact to arrange a visit?
• What is your budget?
• When is an appropriate time to take this outing?

These questions nurture curiosity and encourage the exploration of practical skills like researching, scheduling, and communicating with community members. While ensuring that safety remains a priority, the goal is to empower students to take the lead, fostering independence while having real-world experiences.

Examples of Montessori-Style Field Trips

Outings can connect to both classroom studies and student interests. Here are a few examples from my classes.

Adopting a class pet: After a lesson on rodents, a small group of students researched potential class pets, comparing the needs and costs of hamsters, chinchillas, and degus before holding a classroom vote. To fund their new pet’s care, they organized a rummage sale, selling gently used books and toys to the school community. Upon reaching their goal, they contacted a local pet store, scheduled a visit, and arranged transportation—all on their own. This student-led experience fostered independence, problem-solving, and real-world decision-making skills.

Exploring urban art: While studying different art forms, some students became fascinated by street art. After a discussion, they decided to plan a trip downtown to Graffiti Alley. They researched graffiti’s history, debated whether it was vandalism or art, and planned the trip. Walking through the area, they connected their classroom learning with the vibrant art around them, proving that some of the most impactful lessons continue outside of the classroom.

Fundraising for endangered species: Inspired by a lesson on endangered animals, three sixth-grade students took action by organizing a bake sale. They handled everything—from budgeting and buying ingredients on a going-out trip to the grocery store to baking and selling treats over two days. Their efforts raised funds for wildlife conservation, but more important, they gained hands-on experience in planning, teamwork, and making a real-world impact.

Going out to the farmers market: A few students were interested in growing food, so they planned a trip to the local farmers market. They researched transportation routes, the benefits of buying locally, and how farmers markets support the community. At the market, they spoke with vendors, bought fresh apples and spices, and returned to class to bake a warm apple crumble. They shared the delicious treat and what they’d learned with their peers.

Experiences like these allow students to connect their interests to real-world situations, making learning more meaningful and memorable.

Implementing the Montessori Approach in Non-Montessori Schools

Even in traditional school settings, teachers can incorporate elements of Montessori-style field trips. Here’s how I do this.

Let students lead the planning: Involve students in planning going-out trips by asking what they want to learn more about and brainstorming ways to connect it to real-world experiences. Let them research logistics like transportation and costs. This gives them ownership over their learning and makes the experience more meaningful.

Teach practical skills along the way: Field trips provide teachable moments and opportunities for students to practice real-life skills. Together, review the budget for the trip, figure out transportation options, or draft emails to request a visit somewhere. These tasks build independence and confidence, skills that extend far beyond a single field trip.

Encourage inquiry-based learning: Before the trip, guide students in developing questions they want to explore. If they’re visiting a science museum, ask what specific exhibits spark their curiosity. If they’re heading to a farm, encourage them to consider which agricultural processes they want to understand. During the trip, prompt them with reflective questions to help them connect their experience to their classroom learning.

Foster small group outings: Traditional field trips often involve large groups of students visiting a single location, which can limit personal engagement. If possible, organize smaller group outings based on student interests, allowing them to visit places tailored to their learning goals. This doesn’t have to be complex—even something as simple as taking a small group of students to the local library to do some research can be a meaningful going-out experience. And if you’re on a whole class trip to a museum or art gallery, consider splitting students into smaller groups with different chaperones so they can explore exhibits that align with their interests.

Emphasize reflection: After a field trip, encourage students to share their experiences through discussions, journal entries, or presentations. Reflection helps solidify learning and deepen connections between their trip and broader academic concepts. Prompt them to think beyond just what they saw: How did they feel? What surprised them? What questions do they still have? Sharing their insights with peers allows them to process the experience and learn from each other.

The Lasting Impact of Student-Driven Field Trips

Montessori-inspired field trips help students develop essential skills like problem-solving, independence, and confidence. When students are involved in planning and exploring, these trips become meaningful, real-world lessons that any teacher can integrate into their classroom.