A few days ago, our class got to go on a beautiful walking field trip to Cottonwood Island Park. On this walk we were meant to walk the trails with intention, an awareness of what was under our feet and above our heads. We went early in the morning and the fog was just beginning to lift off the trees and the river, it was a beautiful and picture-perfect sight. When we walked the trail we felt the soggy fall leaves on the ground, and as we moved closer to the river there was bumpiness from the rocks lining the water. In the treetops above you could hear the birds chirping from the branches that were quickly being stripped of their leaves. An appreciation for our environment was built fast as I conversed amongst my peers and myself. We worked on a lesson plan that we could create with our students if we were to take them on this field trip one day. The inspiration and ideas that were discussed and cultivated from being at this beautiful park was amazing to be a part of. My group discussed a possible science lesson that discussed the eroding shoreline. We talked about an art lesson utilizing the fallen leaves, and a social studies lesson to discuss the history of the site and what used to be on it. Finally, we thought of a creative writing assignment where our students utilized evidence and imagination to write a story about what was in Cottonwood Island Park at one point in time in history. The creative juices were running wildly, I learned a lot on this walking field trip and one main thing was that a field trip is a great way to find inspiration for enjoyable learning/lessons, and a strategy I will undoubtable use as a teacher in my practice.
