Field Trips: 4 Easy Steps for Planning and Organization

We are now officially into the swing of the school year. Things still look a bit different this year, with the pandemic affecting the way we do school, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to make life as normal as possible for our students. One of my favorite things about school is field trips. I know, I’m a glutton for punishment.

There is a lot of work to do to prepare for field trips, but seeing the look of wonder on a child’s face when they experience something new and exciting is priceless.

Grab your FREE teacher planner here!

Step one In Planning Field Trips

I’m sure your principal is similar to mine. In organizing a field trip, I have to show the educational value for my students. I need to demonstrate how it connects to the curriculum and what my students will learn from the experience.

Step two In Planning Field Trips

The next part is actually planning the field trip. You have to talk to someone to coordinate where you’re going, usually the management or educational director for wherever you’re going. You’ll figure out what exactly you’ll be doing and will probably work together to connect to your curriculum. Also, find out about mask policies and other safety measures.

Step Three In Planning Field Trips

Now you have to arrange transport on a school bus or in parents’ vehicles. Permission forms for the transportation and going on the field trip fall in here, too. More organization for you!

Step Four In Planning Field Trips

Then you make sure you have enough help for your field trip. Parents will want to come, and it will be useful to have extra hands on board. Perhaps you can wrangle a paraeducator or two onto your team as well.

Right before your field trip

Leading up to and the day of your field trip, make sure students and adults are all on the same page with expectations of behavior and activities during the field trip. Sometimes, a simple bribe goes a long way to encourage positive behavior if you have some troublemakers. Perhaps a popcorn party is in store the next day if the field trip is a success.

Virtual Option

These days, if you don’t want to go through all the hassle of preparing a field trip out of the school, many places let you go on virtual field trips with your class. Many zoos and museums are putting together virtual experiences so your children can see new and interesting things from the comfort of their own desks. Start searching to see what you can find!

However you choose to make a field trip, I am both jealous and sympathetic. It is so fun to watch your students learn new things, but I also know how much work it is for you. It is worth it, though! Have fun on your next field trip