Sappo Field Trips

Learning is best enhanced when the subject presented lies within its own natural habitat.  For the student, this would require a journey away from the regular educational environment into the outside community.  The purpose of the trip is for more than simple observation and data collecting that can bore the onlooker.  Rather, Sappo students are prepared to interact with each other and their teachers as they experience the lesson in its natural state.  Placing the student in the world beyond the classroom is an essential part of learning and personal growth. 

Schools need to devote more time outside the classroom in order to educate the “whole child” using purposeful activities.   Educative Holism is dedicated to the resolve that children will learn to apply what is being learned to self in relation to others and the world in which they live. 

Beyond the classroom experiences builds 1) cognitive skills that include critical thinking as students navigate through the experiential lesson 2) knowledge acquisition and application skills 3) interpersonal and intrapersonal competence 4) decision-making skills 5) practical competence, and 6) career preparation.

Sappo School provides no less than 4 to 6 interactive field trips per year.  Each trip is duly planned far in advance with lessons to support the experience.  Participation expectations are part of the grading system that also includes social propriety and academic performance.  Teacher-practitioners prepare students to engage appropriately using role-playing exercises and re-enactments well before the scheduled trip.

The students have more fun being fully prepared and completely engaged during these excursions. What does the community say about our kids?  Sappo students are commended wherever they go. There are too many experiences to share, but here are a few observer comments:

“I never let schools tour our facility because of the conduct of kids in the past.  I can see right away your kids are different.  They are so well behaved and kind!”  (Apple orchard)

“I never had a school tour the museum before where the kids were openly identifying the works of art spontaneously and really enjoyed what they were doing.  Most school groups look bored to death!”  (Metropolitan Art Museum)

“What manners they each and every one displayed throughout this whole trip.  The kindness seen was unusual.  Look around at the other school groups.  These are good kids, too, but they are acting loud and rude.  And they leave the rooms and dining tables a mess!  Look at you guys!” (said to the students after a 3 day trip to Frost Valley)

“I never had anyone give up a seat on the train for me before.  Thanks for restoring my faith in kids!”

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