The field trip planner in our 2013-2014 Ultimate Field Trip Guide is right on the field trip money. (Click here to read the advice.) But, here are some extra things for parents to consider, whether you’re along for the fun or not!

For Field Trip Chaperones:

  1. Get mentally prepared. Keep in mind you’ll help supervise your child as well as others. Know the teacher’s rules and know when to enlist the help of a teacher or staff member.
  2. Talk with your children about what you’ll be doing as a chaperone. Then it will be easier for them to accept that you can’t give them your undivided attention when they and 50 other children are trying to load onto the zoo train at the same time.
  3. Dress as comfortably and appropriately as possible for the situation. (Shorty shorts and low cut shirts are best left on Dukes of Hazard re-runs.)
  4. Remember, patience is a virtue and you’ll need it.
  5. Bring earplugs if you are riding on the school bus with the children. Everyone will wonder why you’re in such a good mood when you arrive at the destination.
  6. If you are bringing your own vehicle, stash extra drinks and snacks, comfy changes of clothes, face and hand wipes, travel pillows, and perhaps some air freshener. Everyone will be tired, sweaty, thirsty and stinky…including you!
  7. Bring back up camera batteries. Tears will be shed if you miss a shot of Jack or Jenny cuddling with a baby lamb. 
  8. Forget about work for a while and live in the moment. Your co-workers can have your attention another day. Your children are only this age once.

For Non-Chaperone Parents:

  1. Remind your child about rules and listening to the trusted adults on the field trip. You don’t want your child to be the one that every chaperone dreads having in their assigned group.
  2. Talk with your child about staying with the group, teachers and chaperones. The adults are wrangling so many little bodies, it will seem like they’re herding squirrels. Encourage your kids to stay close to the assigned shepherd. Safety is #1.
  3. Dress your child as comfortably and appropriately as possible. They can’t have fun and learn if they’re wearing shoes that give them blisters or no jacket when it’s 40 degrees outside. 
  4. Review good behavior guidelines with them such as manners on the bus and mealtime and being patient with others.
  5. Make sure they have enough food and drink for the excursion. Also, remember any extra money they need. 
  6. Don’t forget the sunscreen and bug spray. Teachers are great with these items, but a little help from home never hurts.
  7. Never forget to send necessary medications or items like inhalers and EpiPens. Emergencies and accidents do happen.
  8. Have a fun activity with your kids when they come home from their field trip. Pretend you are a reporter interviewing them about their day on a Family Newscast. Use a large spoon as a microphone or use a toy one if you have it. 

 

A little extra planning and forethought can make field trips great fun. They extend learning opportunities and also give you fantastic ideas for future family adventures. Find tons of ideas for field trip fun in our 2013-2014 Ultimate Field Trip Guide here!