One of the best things you can do to supplement in-classroom learning is field trips that take them out into the world, engaging with educational opportunities in a whole new context.
In this post, we will look at some of the planning to make that happen!
Set a budget and stick to it
It’s all too easy to underestimate just how much it can cost to see a field trip through, from beginning to end.
The cost of the venue or the destination itself should be the first cost you think of, but you might have to rent a bus and a driver to get the whole group there.
You also have to consider things like food costs. If you’re putting together with other parents, make sure that everyone knows the budget and how much to pitch in well in advance.
Make safety the top priority
One of the most important factors to consider when booking any trip is making sure that everyone gets back safe and sound.
Keep a keen eye out for any potential risks in the venue or destination you want to see, and think about how you can mitigate those risks.
Bring a first aid kit and make sure that at least one adult attending knows some basic emergency first aid. Check with all parents about any medication needs for children, too.
Pick the right place
Of course, you want to make sure that you choose a place that not only offers educational value but one that is also actually suitable for the number of children you want to bring.
For more extensive trips, it’s a good idea to organise them with companies that are experienced in doing so, such as those that provide residential trips for schools.
Set the scene and build anticipation for the children, giving them a good idea of what to expect and why to be excited, to avoid too many new place nerves.
Be mindful of the group’s ages and dynamics
You want to make sure that your group can stick together cohesively as you travel, so mind how you organise the kids on your trip.
For instance, you might want to keep kids of the same age together.
If there are children who are familiar with each other, try to balance familiar faces with making new friends and keep an eye out for any children who are being left out.
Mind your kid-to-adult ratio
If it’s just you and your own child, then you’re likely going to be fine keeping an eye on your child. If this is a collaborative effort with other parents, however, then you want to avoid being outnumbered by too many children.
About one adult to every four or five children should mean you have enough people to keep an eye out.
Whether you’re trying to provide your child with the best educational experience possible or pulling together with other parents to offer more social learning opportunities, school trips can do a lot of good.
Hopefully, the tips above will help you manage yours without too much stress!
Do you have any tips to organise a field trip for kids? Let me know in the comments!
Love, Sarah xoxoxo
