A Montessori “Going out” in Penang

Georgetown decided in 2013 to employ many artists to paint murals on building walls within the small streets of the heritage district.  They have become a very popular tourist attraction.  In Montessori education there are “Going Outs” which are field trips planned and executed by the students with limited adult help.  We decided that we would give Jack and Addie a map and they would find all the street art.

“Instruction becomes a living thing. Instead of being illustrated, it is brought to life. In a word, the outing is a new key for the intensification of instruction ordinarily given in the school.” – Dr. Maria Montessori

We split into two teams and created a challenge to see which team could find the most, and document with photos in the fastest time.  The challenge involved directions, map reading, bus riding and the reward was having the final say in what restaurant we dine at the following night.  Reading and deciphering a map is challenging for an adult, much less a ten-year old.  It was great fun and became a day’s activity.  Jack won the challenge, his choice, the Burger joint on the corner “Two Buns”(Penang’s LittleBigBurger…).