Field Trip: School on the Trail

Last week I studied the weather forecast.

I saw the glorious autumn days we would potentially be allowed to enjoy and the threat of the cold and the rain-filled days just on the edge of the horizon.

I knew I had to get to the sunshine while there was sunshine to get to.

Whilst the children were sleeping snug in their beds (or my bed, you know, whichever, it’s all the same any more) I wrote out a little invitation for them each.

“You are invited on an adventure,” the note read.  “Pack your water bottle, your notebook, a novel, your Life of Fred math book, colored pencils and grab all available snacks and meet me in the car.”

I slid their notes under their pillows and let the nighttime do its nighttime business.

Morning came and five kids with snack-heavy packs met me in the car.

First we stopped at one of our favorite little local breakfast spots for some shared cinnamon rolls (for hiking energy and for convincing the hesitant few that this was, in fact, a fabulous way to spend a day) and then we headed to Outdoors.

I like places where cell phone service cannot reach.

I like sunshine on rocks and the burst of autumn touching the sky

and the sound of my children laughing.

I like sitting in the woods.

I like carrying school from rock to perch to stream side.

Every rest break for tired legs provided the perfect opportunity to read a chapter together.  (I don’t know why I’ve never thought to carry a read-aloud on every hike before.)

Life of Fred feels way better on a rock with the sounds of water rushing past.

The Story of the Romans read on the giant rock under the giant sky is kinder on the ears.

Resting on a gigantic outcrop, we all unloaded our packs and pulled out the snacks. (Have you ever tried these little Justin’s vanilla almond butter packets?)

Our grammar lesson comparing concrete nouns to abstract nouns was made about one hundred percent more vivid outside.  

Concrete:  rock.  stream.  leaf.  backpack.  notebook.  lizard.  cloud.  cracker.  water bottle.  

Abstract:  peace.  love.  family.  comfort.  beauty.  adventure.

And the poetry?  Well.  That was funny and so perfectly suited to my children’s different personalites.

London’s poem —-

And Bergen’s poem  —-

After their own individual nature journal and then reading time (where I actually was able to read an entire chapter or three of my own book) the boys practiced their fencing moves.  (They are tiny down there from my high perch on the rock.)  Yes.  My sons packed wooden swords for their hiking adventure.  It seemed worth it to them to carry the extra weight and I certainly didn’t mind.

I love when school collides with a field trip collides with nature study collides with impromptu learning collides with adventure collides with a happy memory.

It makes things here at Wildwood Halls of Ivy feel a-okay.