Who Doesn't Like Field Trips?

Anytime we take a step out of the ordinary and learn something new, or look at something in a new light, amazing things can happen. 

Teachers have recognized how beneficial field trips are for students for years.  Yet, as adults, we rarely seize the opportunity.  

This year leadership opportunities have allowed teachers the chance to take a field trip to see other colleagues in action.  Visits to model teachers and other teachers have been happening all year.

One example of this adult learning through field trips is credited to The Instructional Strategist and the Kindergarten Team at Indian Creek Elementary.   Kara Felber, Kate Frank, Tammy Franck, and Michelle Haugse, enjoyed a day of visits to some of the model teachers in Linn-Mar.  

They were accompanied by Sara Hofer, Instructional Strategist.  The idea for this trip originated during a PLC meeting. The team was looking for some new approaches to teaching different skills, primarily looking for new ideas in literacy.  Having been able to watch the model teachers, Sara Hofer contacted each of them to see if the Indian Creek Kindergarten team could view some of their work that centered around literacy skills development.  The work they purposefully went to see included Whole Brain Teaching methods and writing.  Additionally, they felt it was important to see the work that students in the blended program and first grade were encountering to get a frame of reference for the experiences kids encounter in Kindergarten.  On the field trip day, they all hopped in one car and had conversations before, during, and after.  The synergy was incredible and a laundry list of ideas was generated quickly.  This team has continued the conversations at school and again during PLC meetings.  

If you have yet to schedule an observation of one of Linn-Mar's Model teachers, contact a teacher leader in your building today and we'll be happy to help you find a day, time, and a teacher match for you.