Secrets for Successful Field Trips

R Re-evaluation: On your way, ask the children what they expect to see on their outing? During the day, ask them if they're enjoying themselves? The next day go over your day and what the children have experienced. If you were to plan another outing at that place, what would you change? Was what your purpose for this outing? Were your objectives met?

I Interest: Age-appropriateness is very important. Remember that children's attention span is not long. Places like historical sites are usually not pre-schooler friendly.

P Parent support: Get your parents involved. Your ratio should be no less than 1 adult to 5 children for the four-year-old group. The younger the children the lower the ratio should be as well as the time spent at the outing. If your field trips are well planned and parents know what is expected from them, you'll always have parents volunteering for outings. Talk to them and make them part of your team.

S Safety: In a back pack have each adult carry a pocket first-aid kit with band aids for blisters, cut and scrapes. Bring baby wipes for a quick wipe on hand and face. It's a good idea to give each adult a map of the area where you are going for them to familiarize themselves with the grounds. Give the adults a location and meeting time before going back to the day care. This way, should any smaller group(s) go elsewhere, everyone will know where and when to go at the end of the field trip.

Ideas for field trips:

Depending on your geographic region, children love to go on fruit or vegetable picking. The children experience the cultivating, the tasting and the outdoors.

Animal shelters, sanctuaries and farms children will enjoy seeing the animals and learning more about them.

Sport outings such as bowling, mini-golf, aqua-parks and beaches can also be fun.

Parks for picnics and outdoor running and play may also be good. Some tourist attractions are appropriate for children under six but keep children under constant supervision.

Have you been on a lot of field trips? Would you like to share your experience with us? Start a discussion and let me know.

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