Outline the preparation you would make for a field trip
Answers
Establish the educational purposes of the trip. Write educational goals. The activities and content examined during the field trip must be relevant and connected to outcomes and objectives in the curriculum. Field trips can certainly be entertaining, but if entertainment is the only outcome, the teacher must rethink the trip with respect to the use of time and and other resources that are both limited and precious.
Take the trip yourself before you take students there. You are to be the guide, therefore, you need to know what kids will be experiencing. A previsit will help you understand what to expect, and what to avoid. If you can't, then study background information for the visit. You need to acquire valuable knowledge for the visit and for instructional activities after the visit.
Select a date.
Verify date and time with authority at the destination.
Determination the costs and who will pay. Determine any arrangements for transportation and if the costs will be covered by the administration or other sources need to be found.
Obtain administrative permission. In writing if necessary from your administration for the activity.
Record date on School calendar and notify the cafeteria.
Make arrangements for transportation.
Contact the docent or, on site education director, or a person who can help coordinate the visit. They may have different tours available and you may request a packet of information from them to learn more about what is available. Those materials could include a map of the site, buildings, rules, highlights, if guided tours are available, and if so, then make sure the docent knows the goals for your trip.
Make arrangements for the visit: time to leave, schedule, activities and special materials.
You must teach the behavior needed for the field trip to be successful. This is the most important variable for a success trip .Make a list of behaviors students should know and do while on the field trip. Include a list of bus rules from the bus company. Also get a list of rules for where you will visit (e.g. art gallery, zoo, museum rules and policies) and include those as you teach, model, and practice behaviors with the students before the trip. This helps everyone to know what is expected and helps for a successful experience. Remind everyone students, chaperons, bus drivers, that you all are representing your school, school district and community. Specify verbally to students and in writing to students and parents your expectations and requirements for making this trip successful. One poorly-arranged, disorganized and badly-implemented field trip could result in the elimination of field trips for you and possibly your entire school. It could even end your teaching career.
Make arrangements for lunch and restroom facilities. School cafeterias will often make sack lunches for students for a small fee if the request is made ahead of time or check out possible places on your previsit. Always notify in advance of your visit any food establishment where you plan to take students. Even fast food restaurants can make your visit more enjoyable if they know how to plan their staffing.
If your plans involve outside events, picnics or time in a park, develop an alternate plan for bad weather.
Prepare a letter to send to parents. Consider the following information:
What is going to occur?
What schedule will be used?
What are the costs for the parents?
What students need to bring?
What students need to wear?
What type of transportation will be used? Bus? Parent driven vehicles?
What type of chaperon is needed?
How will lunch be handled?
When students leave and return.