Exploring Our World

Fostering Connection, Community, and a Greater Understanding of the World

At Bluebird Montessori School, we believe that education extends far beyond the classroom walls. That’s why our Director and Co-owner, Tiffany Basinger, developed the Exploring Our World Program, an innovative approach designed to bring learning to life for our students through field trips and in-school experiences with local community members.

Our Exploring Our World Program is an innovative initiative designed to enrich our students’ education by connecting them with the community and giving them hands-on experiences that foster a deeper understanding of the world. Through carefully planned field trips and interactive in-school visits, our preschoolers are exposed to real-world environments and local experts, allowing them to explore, discover, and grow.

Student playing at a park in Overland Park

Why Field Trips Matter in Early Education

Field trips are more than just a break from routine—they are integral to a child’s early education. The Exploring Our World Program allows children to step outside the classroom and experience new environments, people, and places. These moments are not only exciting but also critical in broadening children’s educational experiences. When children visit a local park, explore a business, or observe nature, they engage in active, hands-on learning that deepens their understanding of various subjects.

Research shows that field trips can improve academic performance, foster curiosity, and help children develop critical thinking skills. At Bluebird Montessori, our field trips are designed to reinforce classroom lessons while sparking new interests and promoting lifelong learning.

Hands-On Learning, Real-World Connections

The Exploring Our World Program exposes children to real-life experiences that enhance their understanding of their community and the world beyond. Whether visiting a local farm to learn about agriculture, a fire station to explore community safety, or a nature reserve to observe ecosystems, these outings allow children to experience subjects firsthand, making abstract concepts more concrete.

Experiential learning through field trips gives children the chance to reflect on what they see, hear, and touch, helping them make meaningful connections between their education and the world around them. Each trip is carefully crafted to be an extension of what they are learning in the classroom, ensuring that the experience is both educational and memorable.

Students Observing an ant farm exhibit while on field trip

Bringing the Community into the Classroom

In addition to field trips, the Exploring Our World Program brings the world to our students through in-school visits from local community members. We invite firefighters, musicians, artists, and other professionals to share their expertise with our students, providing an up-close look at different careers and ways of life. These visits are just as enriching as field trips, offering younger children the chance to engage with their community in a safe, familiar environment.

By connecting with community professionals, children gain a better understanding of the roles people play in society and how they contribute to the greater good. These encounters inspire children to dream big, foster empathy, and develop a sense of responsibility toward their community.

Community Musician Visits Bluebird Montessori Classroom

Broadening Horizons, Expanding Perspectives

One of the key goals of the Exploring Our World Program is to show children that their world is bigger than the classroom. These experiences help expand their horizons, introducing them to new places, people, and ideas they may not encounter otherwise. From walking through local parks to exploring businesses in downtown Overland Park, each experience adds a new dimension to their understanding of the community and their place within it.

The program is designed to inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity in our students, helping them become engaged, connected, and thoughtful citizens of the world. By learning about the interconnectedness of community life and the world around them, children develop a broader perspective and a deeper appreciation for the people and places that make their community special.

Students visit and local bakery on a field trip to Overland Park

Family Involvement in Planning and Participation

We believe that the best learning experiences are collaborative, which is why we encourage family involvement in planning our field trips. Parents and families are invited to provide input on potential destinations, ensuring that each trip is exciting and relevant for all children. By engaging families in the planning process, we also foster a stronger sense of community within our school.

Parents are welcome to participate in the field trips themselves, joining their children as they explore new environments. This involvement helps create lasting memories for both children and their families, while also reinforcing the connection between home, school, and community.

student and parents at farmers market field trip

Inspiring a Love of Learning and Community

The Exploring Our Worlds Program is a unique part of the Bluebird Montessori experience, designed to inspire a love of learning and community in our students. It’s more than just a series of field trips—it’s a way for children to engage with the world, develop critical thinking skills, and learn to appreciate the interconnectedness of life. Each experience builds on the last, helping children grow into curious, compassionate, and engaged individuals who understand their role in their community and the world.

Mother and child at a special event at Bluebird Montessori
A brother and sister at a photoshoot by community photographer

At Bluebird Montessori, we are committed to nurturing not only the minds but also the hearts of our students. The Exploring Our World Program is one of the many ways we help children develop a lifelong love of learning, exploration, and connection.