Upper Elementary Travelogue, by Shelley Hooke
November 6, 2013

The week of October 21st, our Upper Elementary class participated in the Outdoor Essential Skills trip to Dodgeville, Wisconsin.  I had the pleasure of attending as one of the parent chaperones.  The trip was a great success, with the students participating in all sorts of outdoor activities, building individual self-esteem, as well as increasing our class’s ever-growing foundation of “community.”  Below are the daily sentiments from my unique perspective as both a spectator and partial participator.  You’ll notice several specific details are omitted…the next time you encounter an Upper El student, ask THEM for the full story; I know they’d love the opportunity to share their experience with you!

UE Trip, Day 1/Monday

Our bus trip to Dodgeville was perfect!  As you know, the bus loading at MSLF went off without a hitch, and we departed promptly at 9am (wow!).

As planned, we made a pit stop for lunch at the Johnson Creek rest stop.  The timing worked out well, and we welcomed the opportunity to stretch our legs.

We arrived at the retreat center, welcomed by “Mr. Bill,” Nicolas, and Anna (our familiar instructors from last year).  After a very organized unloading of the bus, we waved goodbye to the bus driver and headed inside the building.

For the parents of returning students, it will be interesting to hear the comparative descriptions between last year’s building and this year’s.  (My take:   this facility is amazing, very nice with more amenities…like the difference between your freshman dorm and your senior housing in college). Be sure to ask your student all about it!

After a “second” lunch of burgers, potato wedges, chips, and…brownies, we headed for the hiking trail.  What a wonderful afternoon.

Back at the retreat center, and after our dinner, we enjoyed stories by the fire, card games, handwork, reading, etc.

Similar to last year, everyone’s hanging out in the great room/living room.  It’s nice to see so many different activities taking place.

UE Trip, Day 2/Tuesday

We’ve just wrapped up our day, lights-out was about 30 minutes ago…so I better make this short.

Today we participated in two activities: a challenge course and a nature-hike.  We were split into 2 groups, to make the activities a bit more manageable; with the whole class meeting together at midday for a fireside sack lunch.  I know your kids can’t wait to tell you all about the activities.

After dinner and some free time, we met around the campfire again (different location than at lunch).  As you might expect, we enjoyed discussing our day’s events, sang songs (accompanied by a ukulele!), listened to story time (excerpt from The Chronicles of Narnia), and yes… s’mores!

We’ve had a fantastic day, and we’re all ready to get some good rest in preparation for tomorrow.   Lights out for tonight.

UE Trip, Day 3/Wednesday

Another wonderful, inspiring, awesome… day!

Since we were unable to do the evening camp out, our instructors improvised, coming up with the next best thing, an “afternoon camp out.”

Before heading out, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast and some indoor free time.  We were also treated to a “handwork” demonstration.  I’m not going to provide  any details, just wait until you see (and hear) all about it.

We finished up, cleaned up, and layered up to head outside for the day.  A few outdoor games, then we were off to the south/southeast hiking trails!  After splitting up into three groups, we had lunch, fireside, and learned how to camp “without leaving a trace.”  Wow!  It was so cool, I know you’ll hear about this experience!

On our hike back to the retreat center, we stopped by a large rock/cliff which overlooked the valley.  It was beautiful!

Here’s our official group photo and the end of the hike before heading back:

We enjoyed dinner and an evening of free time.  Most are packed and ready to head home; our morning schedule is all set, and we plan to
depart at 9am.

We’re all already looking forward to next year!!!

We adults (Mrs. Pakkala, Mr. McDaniel, Mr. Burns, the three instructors, and I) have enjoyed the week and seeing these students in action.  They’ve all represented MSLF – and your family – very well! Thanks again for letting me share this experience with your sons & daughters!

See you soon,
Shelley

MSLF Overnight Trips Build Independence and Confidence for Elementary and Adolescent Program Students

By Teresa Pavelich • June 2, 2025
At MSLF, overnight trips become an important part of Montessori learning beginning in Lower Elementary. Each trip is carefully planned to meet the developmental needs of students in the second and third plane of development , with each overnight trip getting progressively longer to ease children into these independent journeys away from their families. These aren't just trips - they're carefully crafted opportunities for students to discover who they are, what they're capable of, and how they can contribute to their community and the wider world. Beginning in their first year of Lower Elementary, students take their first MSLF overnight trip to Nature’s Classroom in Wisconsin. For many Lower Elementary students, this trip represents their first nights away from home. During their trip they explore the outdoors, work together in groups, use their practical life skills during community meals, and grow! It’s this first overnight trip for MSLF students where parents and staff remark how students come back almost transformed after being able to develop their independence in a supportive environment. Our Upper Elementary classroom has embarked on overnight trips to both Camp Timber-lee in Wisconsin and The Country Experience at Amstutz Family Farm in Elizabeth, IL. Both locations provide students with increasing opportunities to apply their practical life skills, like checking the weather to ensure they have weather-appropriate gear for their trip. Every task empowers them to develop self-reliance and problem-solving skills. These trips are also opportunities for the students to get to know one another and build strong relationships with their peers and with the adults in their classroom. Adolescent Program students at MSLF have opportunities to visit both Springfield, IL and Washington, DC . These overnight trips tie directly into their studies – connecting curriculum learned in the classroom to experiences in the wider community. They often take their learning on the road, for example by watching a legislative session in action in Springfield to see which bills are passed during their trip or presenting their research papers at monuments in Washington, DC. And for these students, the skills they built on their trips in Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary are put to work, as they pack their own bags, learn more about public transportation, and plan their daily itineraries to make the most out of their visit. Experiences like these at MSLF support the child’s independence, laying the groundwork for transitions in later life: the start of high school, going away to college, a first job, and beyond. As they conquer challenges outside their comfort zone, their confidence soars, laying the foundation for the autonomy and independence they will continue to utilize throughout their Montessori experience and beyond. It’s good for parents, too, to see how truly capable our children are!

Forbes Article: The Surprising Health Benefits Of Montessori Education

By Teresa Pavelich • March 7, 2025
Forbes Article highlights mental health benefits of Montessori education