While it’s hard to dispute the educational value of field trips, the logistical challenges of out-of-classroom excursions are enough to make even savvy educators cringe. But don’t let the challenges stop you from hitting the road with your students. These tips and tricks can make field trips more enjoyable (and educational!) for everyone.
- Start early. It can take weeks to receive all the necessary approvals for a field trip. It would help if you had administrative approval and transportation. It would help if you had time to collect money and submit that money so your school could cut a check. Begin planning your field trip at least six weeks in advance of your departure date. The bigger the trip, the bigger your head start needs to be. Overnight, out-of-state, or overseas trips may need to be planned a whole year.
- Think small, contained, and low-key. Trips to large, public places and those that mix students from several schools offer many distractions and potential pitfalls. Small-group activities keep kids engaged and busy. Ask a local Boy Scout, Girl Scout, or 4-H club for assistance. These groups regularly plan kid-friendly outings around merit badges or other learning activities, and the places that cater to these clubs (such as camps and museums) are ideal for school groups.
- Look for action. Kids love to be hands-on. And the best field trips give students a chance to touch, feel, and try something new.
- Keep costs down by planning the trip yourself. Timing your trip for the off-season may also help lower costs. If you’re traveling out of state, find out if you qualify for tax-exempt status in that state. In addition, fundraisers can help defray costs and consider having families pay in installments rather than requiring a lump-sum payment. Also, don’t be afraid to seek outside support.
- Prescreen the site. If possible, visit your proposed site before scheduling a trip. Pay attention to the environment. Is there anything that might upset your students? Having that information in advance will help you create contingency plans. Find out if the site can accommodate students with special needs.
- Prep students and parents. The most important thing you can do to make a field trip a successful experience is to educate kids about where they’re going, what they can expect, and their expectations. Discuss the trip, showing students online pictures or videos. Talk through common situations: You’ll probably get excited when we get to the museum, but keep your hands to yourself. Stay with the group. Make sure kids know what they are expected to do as well; if they’ll be looking for answers to questions or doing a scavenger hunt, hand out questions and lists in advance.
- Bring emergency info. Accidents happen. You should print a list of emergency contacts and medical info and brings it along. That way, if something happens, you don’t need to call the school to get information.
- Keep it moving. The busier you keep our students, the less trouble they get into; divide students into manageable groups, and ensure each group has adequate adult supervision. Then have the groups rotate through certain exhibits or activities. The constant motion will keep your students occupied—and out of trouble!