Without the help of parent volunteers, field trips simply couldn’t happen – it’s impossible for teachers to try and take on an entire class alone. An added benefit of volunteer involvement is that parents get to learn alongside their children.
Despite the perks, however, that doesn’t mean everyone is excited to jump on board and help out. Let’s face it: Some parents might need a bit of encouragement to sign up for such adventures. But that doesn’t mean you can’t help get them prepared. By providing tips or text on how to best to organize and manage kids during an educational trip, you can better ensure a positive experience for everyone.
For example, you can try preparing parents by letting them know the size of group they’ll be leading. Another great idea is to print out a specific list of tips and best practices (such as the one in this article) to share with your class parents. They’ll be more likely to enjoy their experience if they know what to expect. An added bonus is that parents that have positive experiences are more likely to volunteer again.
It might seem like extra work to teach your parents how to manage during a field trip, but it will save you stress and headaches in the long run. The children in your class are more likely to learn and enjoy the experience, too!