Nobody wants a chaperone to show up to the class trip unprepared. Even worse are the chaperones who think they are prepared, but they have no idea what they are in for.
As a teacher, it may feel awkward trying to tell chaperones what is expected of them. You don’t want to come off as pretentious or as if you are questioning their common sense or qualifications. But it is essential that you give them a run-down of how to keep the kids under control and also to help them aid in the learning experience.
These tips are practical yet tactful, so you won’t feel like a drillmaster by mentioning them. Planning a class trip is stressful, and having your chaperones on the same page can greatly reduce that stress.
Some of the tips include requiring chaperones to take frequent head counts and reinforcing the importance of each chaperone being assigned small groups of students to keep an eye on during travel and outings.
Another way chaperones can help the teacher is by preparing questions to ask the students during the trip to make sure the students are engaged in the learning experience. If you’re visiting a specific destination, like an art museum or national monument or park, you can provide your chaperones with fact sheets so they can plan some talking points.
Above all, though, the class trip should be fun for everyone — teachers and chaperones included! Make sure you let your chaperones know you want this to be a fun experience for them as well.