|
Preparing for a Field Trip
Field trips are very exciting for the students and if planned properly, can be exciting for the teacher, as well. If you are not prepared for your day out of the center, you will be
disappointed with all of the bumps and bruises that will be occurring during the day.
When planning a field trip for young students, it is important to remember that the students are young. A trip away from the center should not last longer than a couple of hours.
You will want to make sure the trip does not interfere with regular scheduled nap times or eating times. If you skip either one of these events, the children will inevitably end up cranky, and your trip will become a large headache.
 When traveling, you always want to remember the first aid kit, the children's medicines, parent
contact numbers, emergency numbers, and a contact person. A contact person is important for many reasons. Should you forget a needed item, or have a problem child that needs to be immediately picked up, or should a flat tire occur, you
want to make sure you (as the person in charge) have someone to call for back up when needed.
Before going on a field trip you will want to prepare the children. Some children may not have special outings with their parents and will therefore not know how to behave when
taken into a public setting. You will want to discuss appropriate behavior with the children. It may also be a good idea to practice this behavior through role modeling.
 If you are planning to take a group larger than eight, I would strongly
recommend taking a second teacher or parent along. The extra set of adult hands, eyes, and ears, can help you out tremendously; especially if a child needs help using the restroom. Your hostess will not appreciate you leaving her with a
group of children while you take a little one to the restroom.
Before leaving the center to go on the field trip, make sure you have all permission forms from the parents. I would strongly recommend having the permission in writing.
Should an accident occur and all that you have is verbal permission, you won't have a whole lot to go on if taken to court. Have fun when going on field trips, but make sure you protect yourself and the center from any complications due
to a missing permission slip.
 After you have checked your list twice, making sure you have all of the necessary items, give the
place that you are going to visit an "advance warning" call, letting them know that you are leaving the center, and the time you expect to be there. This friendly reminder double checks that there are not any conflicts, as well
as prepares the place for your arrival.
Field trips are great experiences for you and the children. If you are prepared, the day away from the center will be fun, exciting, and educational. Once the trip is complete, be
sure to follow up with a nice thank you card. Children's signatures and pictures of their favorite part of the day is always a hit. Numerous places showcase these thank-you cards, and your appreciation for the trip will allow future
visits.
| © Copyright 2000/2001/2002. All rights reserved.
|  |
| 
