When adults think back on their childhood experiences, field trips are often the first thing to come to mind. This fall, Mendota Elementary School scholars are jumpstarting their learning both in and out of the classroom with a variety of trips across the Madison community.
Fifth graders have been learning about constellations in science class and went to the Madison Metropolitan School District Planetarium. According to Valerie Grayson, fifth-grade teacher, the trip to the planetarium was “a great way to connect what we’ve been learning with a view above our heads.”
Mendota third graders extended their learning beyond the Mendota Garden by visiting Troy Gardens. They enjoyed learning about gardening, harvesting and preparing their own food. Dawn Stovall, third-grade teacher, shared that the “lifelong skills that are taught here will not go to waste.”
At Schuster’s Farm, first graders had the chance to visit the pumpkin patch where they could pick a pumpkin, take a hayride, pet goats, and go through a corn maze. Students rode the bus to and from the field trip, which gave them the chance to point out where they live and how far away from school they went. They discussed their learning about city and state in context. First-grade teacher Libby Peterson said, “This field trip was such a great bonding experience for our first graders. We used our shared experience to inspire writing and discussions about seasons.”
Looking forward, Mendota scholars will have opportunities to explore the Madison Children’s Museum, Warner Park, the Overture Center, and more. In the words of fourth-grade teacher Mickey McNett, “Good field trips show students the lessons that we can’t fit between classroom walls.”
