Our class goes on a very special field trip once a week for 6 weeks. We
attend a therapeutic riding program at The Camelot Center located at Leisure
Farms in Southington, Ohio. Students work in small groups to learn about the
care of horses, equipment, and skills of riding. They each have a riding
lesson. They must set goals for themselves and are required to focus on
instruction and follow the instructor's directions at all times. This equine
assisted therapeutic riding program provides opportunities for gross and fine
motor skill development, behavioral goal setting, and increased self-esteem.
In addition, we use our experiences as a springboard for Reading and
Writing activities. After each session, the class uses a graphic organizer
called a web to write down details of the things that happen each week.
Students then individually use the computer word processor to write weekly
journals detailing their experiences. They add actual photos taken with a
digital camera to their writings. Students then bind their writings and
photos to make a keepsake book of their experiences. Their written
expression skills, as well as their computer skills, are greatly improved.
Students also research books and the internet to write a report about a
particular breed of horse. This field trip is a wonderful way to integrate
many subject areas and provides a very motivating activity from which to
work on many academic skills. Photos taken while riding and working on horse
related activites can be viewed by clicking on the Field Trip Photos page.
In the 2003 - 2004 school year, we will be going riding on Mondays:
Sept. 15, Sept. 22, Sept. 29, Oct. 6, Oct. 13, and Oct. 20. Parents will
receive information and permission forms on Sept. 5, 2003.
You can view a slideshow about our trips this year by going to the
Newton Falls website: http://www.newton-falls.k12.oh.us