Using field trips in homeschooling just makes good sense. They can be loads of fun, provide a break in the daily routine, and provide many wonderful memories. Homeschoolers generally have more opportunities to take advantage of the events happening around them because they can be more flexible with hours. Field trips can be utilized by an entire homeschool group or tailored just for a family.
Depending on the type of field trip you are going to attend, you can plan a lesson around that "theme" to get your kids ready for what to expect. You may even find helpful information at the library or on-line that will be of benefit during the field trip. Not all field trips are tour-guided, so planning ahead is a great way to make the most of your time.
Possibilities for field trips include:
- Museums
- Park events
- Zoos
- Day trips to different cities or states
- Airports
- Farms
- Native American reservations
- Festivals and fairs
- Historical landmarks
If you are going with a group, here are some tips to remember:
- Be mindful of the person coordinating the field trip. It takes work to organize a trip for an entire group, and the more cooperative you can be, the easier it will be for the coordinator.
- Pay attention to deadlines when up-front payment is required.
- Be prepared to make sitter arrangments, if not all of your kids are eligible for a particular field trip (i.e., 3rd-5th grade may be the requirement, so do not bring your smaller or older children).
- Be on time, as others will be waiting on you.
- Remember you are responsible for your own kids, even if there are other moms/dads in attendance.
If you are going as a family, here are some tips to remember:
- Relax! Take advantage of a break from the daily routine. If you are relaxed, your kids will have more fun and enjoy themselves, too.
- Make arrangements ahead of time to be sure the place you want to visit is open at the time you are going to arrive.
- Pack snacks and water bottles to keep refreshed on day trips.
- Wear comfortable clothing for outdoor field trips.
- Have a system that should someone get lost, you will know how to reconnect.
- Leave information with a contact who will know where you are going and how to reach you.
Field trips provide great hands-on learning opportunities, as well as personal interaction with experts. Some children actually learn best when they are able to interact with their lesson plan and visually see how things work. It may take some research to find the best field trip locations in and around your area, but it is worth it.
