Field trips are as anticipated by students as they are stressful for educators. From permission slips to travel fees and chaperones, the amount of planning needed for these outings can be downright overwhelming. Yet, field trips account for some of the most enriching learning experiences available to students, making all that extra pressure worth the effort. These experiential excursions expose students to real-world applications of knowledge, improving their social and critical thinking skills and academic performance, helping spark curiosity about the world around them. With careful planning, you can help mitigate some of that stress and start looking forward to the field trip as much as your students do!
Learn as much as you can about the site prior to your trip. Plan a visit beforehand to familiarize yourself with the surroundings, taking note of restrooms and the best area to gather for lunch. Collect contact information for all students and chaperones and take note of any student with special concerns (such as allergies or other medical conditions). Make checklists for yourself and for students, including appropriate attire, lunch (or money for lunch), medications if needed, etc.
Be sure to review the itinerary with your students and leave room for questions. This will help set expectations and even alleviate some anxiety. The excitement of a field trip can be so intense that kids can forget it’s not all about fun but also a part of their lesson! Prepare them by explaining their objective and what information will be relevant for a later assignment or test. Make sure your students understand what is expected of them in terms of their behavior and how the rules might differ for them outside of the classroom. Remind them that these rules help keep them safe and that following them increases the likelihood of future field trips. Lastly, make sure your students understand what to do in the case of an emergency or how to find help if they become separated from the group.
Make sure your chaperones know what will be expected of them. Discuss the itinerary and all necessary logistics, such as meal time and when and where to meet up at the end of the day. Provide phone numbers and all necessary contact information. After assigning your chaperones a group to supervise, provide a list of names and any helpful information or tips for each student (such as dietary restrictions or behavioral concerns). Encourage them to take a group photo of the children and provide name tags for each group. If it’s within the budget, equip your chaperones with items that might be helpful throughout the day or provide a list of helpful items to bring, such as hand sanitizer, tissue, napkins, extra water bottles, snacks, bandages, a first aid kit, and bug spray and sunscreen if outdoors.
Field trips take students out of the classroom and into a unique environment where they’re encouraged to observe and explore. These experiential learning opportunities can increase student interest and motivation, creating a stronger connection to the subject matter they learn at school. Preparation plays a significant role in the success of a class trip, and having a good plan can help set your nerves at ease. Knowing what to expect and communicating those expectations to all attendees can help ensure a safe and enriching experience for students, educators, and chaperones alike. Safe travels!
If an off-campus outing isn’t feasible for your students this year, consider bringing the field trip to you with a Mobile Ed assembly. We provide the educational value of a field trip without the logistical challenges of travel! Choose from a variety of high-quality and immersive programs that both engage students and help break the monotony of their daily classroom routine. Our assemblies are designed to motivate students to learn by mixing education with entertainment, making even tough subjects approachable and fun for all students. Ditch the hassle of field trip planning by contacting Mobile Ed today to bring the field trip to your school!