by Margareth Faye

Created on: August 01, 2010   Last Updated: August 03, 2010

Kids love field trips. They are a great learning experience, and it is often fun for them to escape the doldrums of the classroom and get hands on learning in a different setting. Teachers like field trips too, but they know that they require a lot of extra preparation before the big day. Here are some suggestions for new teachers from the veterans.

The following field trip ideas, from bringing along a beaded lanyard for ticket stubs to double-checking the first aid supplies, will help prepare you for your next classroom day trip.

In advance of the big day, go over the rules and expectations you will have for your students. For example if they visit a library or museum, you should remind them that talking out and making loud noises will not be acceptable. Don’t forget to tell them that bad behavior will have consequences and that students who do not follow the rules may be removed from the field trip or not allowed to participate during other special activities.

Screen your parent volunteers ahead of time and lineup alternate or backup parent volunteers in case someone needs to bail on you at the last minute. Parents who are permissive and allow children to wander do not make your job easier. If you have a chance to observe your parents in action before the trip, take notes!

Students should understand that field trips are for learning. They are not just an excuse to play and blow off steam. Before you go on the trip, or perhaps on the ride there, you should talk to them about learning objectives. Prepare them with a few good questions about the subject matter so that they can think about these things as the take in the information and exhibits. The focus should always be on learning.

If you are a list person (and maybe even if you aren’t) write down the things you need to take with you the night before. Supplies like tickets and receipts can easily be forgotten. To keep them with you at all times on your trip, you might want to use beaded lanyards for badges, and stuff the ticket stubs in the clear plastic badge holder. If you have enough for the children, use the lanyards for holding name tags for the children. This will help out your parent volunteers tremendously. Finally, make sure you bring a first aid kit with adequate supplies.

Have your kids send thank you notes to the staff at your location. You can reinforce what they learned of the field trip by having them tell the employees what their favorite part of the trip or exhibit was. You can send a giant card from the whole class, or have each student make their own thank you note.

Field trips make learning fun, new and exciting, and being prepared for the big event can make all the difference.

For more information about beaded lanyard, please check out beaded lanyards for badges .

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