22/07/2025
We had a lovely trip to Ruislip Lido last week, a wonderful space for children and adults to explore, and we even had a sssssssurprise visit from a ssssslithering friend!
It was a sunny morning, and the children, parents, and teachers from Cookham Montessori School were buzzing with excitement. They were going on a special day trip to Ruislip Lido, a magical place with a sandy beach, tall trees, and a sparkling lake!
Everyone had packed their hats, sunscreen, snacks, and big smiles. The coach ride was full of giggles and curious whispers.
When they arrived, the group boarded a charming little train that took them from the coach station to the beach. The train was a wonderful experience – it gently chugged through the trees, giving the children a lovely view of the woods and glimpses of the lake. It felt like the adventure had already begun.
At the beach, the children kicked off their shoes and ran barefoot across the soft sand. They built tall sandcastles and dipped their toes in the cool water. Parents relaxed on picnic blankets and shared delicious lunches, while teachers made sure everyone stayed safe and happy.
After lunch, the fun continued. Some children climbed aboard the large wooden pirate ship, pretending to sail across the sea, while others returned to building even bigger and better sandcastles, working together and using buckets, spades, and their imaginations. Laughter echoed across the beach as the sun continued to shine.
But then, something amazing happened…
"Look over there!" shouted a child, pointing across the open sand.
Everyone stopped and tiptoed closer. And there, slithering slowly across a patch of warm, sunlit sand…was a real snake!
It was long, thin, and a little shiny – and guess what? It wasn’t scary at all. It was a grass snake, and it seemed just as curious about the children as they were about it. The teachers and parents calmly kept everyone at a safe distance, and together they watched as the Lido staff carefully handled the situation and guided the snake away.
"Wow! That was the coolest thing ever!" said one child.
"I didn’t know snakes could live near a lake," whispered another.
The teachers explained that grass snakes are harmless and love to live near water, where they eat frogs and fish. The children were full of questions – and even more full of wonder.
After the big snake surprise, the group enjoyed some delicious ice creams and one last play on the sand before it was time to go. They boarded the little train once more, then the coach, heading home with happy hearts and tired feet.
That night, many children dreamed of pirate ships, ice creams, and the friendly little snake who specially came out to say hello.
Our visit to Ruislip Lido was more than a fun day out, it beautifully reflected the Montessori approach. The children explored freely, engaged with nature, and followed their curiosity, especially when discovering the grass snake. This real-life encounter sparked questions, wonder, and respectful observation, key elements of Montessori learning. It was a perfect reminder that the world is our classroom, and nature is our greatest teacher!
