The Christian EducatorA publication of North Valley Baptist Schools

Walking Down Field Trip Memory Lane

By Melisa Vance

Many years have passed since the day that I woke up as fourth grader excited and ready to attend one of the most anticipated field trips of the year.  My class was going to Idaho’s state capital!  As I walked through our capitol building, I felt like someone very special.  I was so privileged to be learning about many interesting facts about the government and the building.  I could hardly wait to get home and tell my family all about my day in Boise.  It is funny that I now am responsible for taking the fourth grade students of North Valley Baptist Schools to California’s state capital each year.

Field trips should be unforgettable days for your students.  If we are not careful, they can turn into just another day. There are many items to keep in mind when arranging a memorable field trip.

1. When preparing for field trips,always keep in mind that you are developing memories that will last a life time for your students.  Choose places that will leave a lasting impression.  Keep in mind that not all sites and locations you choose will be “winners”.  I remember visiting the Hershey factory many years ago.  The factory was a two-hour drive and upon arrival, the students were escorted on a twenty minute tour that was incredibly dull.   I made light of the situation at the time, but that was the first and last field trip to the Hershey factory.  I now take our fourth graders to another candy factory – the Jelly Belly Factory!  The kids enjoy the tour because they are able to learn many interesting facts, and create memories as they shop at one of the largest candy shops in existence!

2. If possible schedule your field trips at the beginning of the year and inform the parents so that they may attend.  Many parents love to be present at their child’s field trip, but if not given an appropriate amount of time, they may not be able to accommodate their work schedules.  Don’t be afraid to invite the parents.  Contrary to popular belief, fourth and fifth graders do enjoy having Mom and Dad along as chaperones.  They feel extra special to have them along.  A week or two before the trip approaches, send a reminder note home with your students.

3. Take time the day before a trip to prepare your students for situations that may arise during the field trip.  Inform them that you will be watching and expecting them to behave and show respect to all adults that may cross their paths.  Remind them that they are a testimony of their parents, school, and most importantly their Savior and should behave accordingly.  As a precaution, tell students they may never use the bathroom alone and should always stay in the vicinity of their adult chaperone.

4. Encourage your students to bring cameras and don’t forget yours either!  Snapshots can be used later for displays in your classroom and as small gifts to the parents who did not have the joy of attending the trip.

5. Require students to arrive fifteen minutes before the scheduled departure time.  Having that little cushion time allows for the occasional upsets in schedule.  It is undeniably hard to leave a student behind because they are late.

If your school does not have access to a school bus, you will need to plan for parent-drivers.  With as much advance notice as you are able, make lists of which students will be driving with which parent.  Some states have strict laws about approved drivers.  Check these policies with your school administrator.

6. Set due date for the permission slips and money to be turned in.  There is nothing more hectic than collecting these items the morning of a field trip.  Most often, students will need change or others will forget their money.  These two can be put on the afore-mentioned reminder note.

Teachers should remember that field trips should be enjoyable for everyone including you.  The more planning and preparation you put into a field trip, the more enjoyable it will be for all.