Hello fellow homeschoolers,
As we continue to find our rhythm this school year, with classes in full swing, curriculum being explored, science kits opened, and books devoured, now is the perfect time to enrich your homeschool routine with experiential learning. Beyond the pages of a book and the structure of a lesson plan, the world offers endless opportunities for hands-on education. Our school is proud to offer more than 30 field trips each month, designed to spark curiosity, deepen understanding, and foster meaningful social connections.
This is also a timely reminder that October trips will open for registration next Thursday at 12:30 pm. (Remember, this happens on the second Thursday of every month, so mark your calendar!) You also have the privilege of creating your own adventures by ordering tickets and passes from our preferred vendors in Procurify. Self-led field trips, an alternative to going on a school-organized trip, can allow you to have your own schedule, agenda, and attendees, if that is a better fit for you. School trips have a set arrival time as well as attendee and chaperone guidelines that need to be respected. As always, options are abundant at The Cottonwood School.
Field trips are more than just a break from the routine; they’re a bridge between in-school learning and real-world experience. Imagine your child’s eyes lighting up as they see history come alive in a museum, observe ecosystems in action on a hike with peers, or watch stories unfold at the theater. These moments are the building blocks of lifelong learning, where education transcends the confines of the classroom and your home.
To enhance these experiences, we’ve created a Field Trip Journal with pages tailored to different grade levels; you can print the pages appropriate for your child to create a personalized journal. This journal is not just a keepsake; it’s a tool for reflection and deeper engagement. Encourage your child to jot down observations, sketch what they see, and connect the dots between what they’ve learned in their studies and what they encounter on the trip. These entries can even serve as work samples, showcasing their learning journey in a tangible way. You can find a link to download the Field Trip Journal on the Community Team Page in the Parent Hawk’s Nest.
Additionally, we are curating an extensive library of pre-learning activities and extended learning opportunities to accompany many of the field trips we offer. These will be shared by event coordinators for applicable events. They will also be available for all students to use if you attend these specific or similar trips and events on your own. These will be added to the Community Team Page in the Parent Nest soon.
Field trips can seamlessly integrate into your curriculum — whether as an inspiring introduction to a new unit or a hands-on conclusion to a topic your child has been studying. They can also spark a new passion or area of interest, providing a foundation for further exploration at home.
Be sure to take a close look at the field trip section of this newsletter, always found at the bottom. This is where you’ll find links to register, along with important reminders and instructions. Always read the trip details carefully to ensure that the date and time work for you, as well as the logistical aspects like age suitability and the nature of the experience. Our field trips are not always one-size-fits-all. Our registration details, event descriptions, and information from the coordinator will help you with most of these educational adventures, including how to prepare for trips and the field trip expectations. Let’s make this year’s field trips not just a part of your homeschool experience, but a highlight of it.
Kindly,
Kara Parkins, Parent Support Supervisor