Being a teacher can be stressful. When they’re not grading papers, developing a curriculum, and attending seminars, teachers are given the not-so-small task of molding dozens of students for up to eight hours each day. So what happens when it comes time to plan a field trip? Does the thought of such a demanding activity overwhelm even the most efficient teacher? Don’t let what should be a rewarding adventure for students turn into another burden of responsibility. Follow these steps to ensure a fun and relatively stress-free field trip:
1) Get students ready to learn: Develop lessons for the trip and teach students about what they will encounter.
2) Teach students how to behave: Instruct kids on how to act properly away from school, including: How to line up, what they can touch, what to do if separated from the group, and who will be in charge.
3) Be positive: Spend a little more time encouraging good behavior with students who need more interaction; take frequent food and drink breaks to avoid complacency among students; be direct but compassionate when a student breaks a pre-trip rule.
4) Interact: Reward students for asking questions, remark when they’re attentive and positive. When the trip is completed, ask students what they enjoyed, what they didn’t. Then, tell students what was positive and what they need to do better for the next field trip.
For more information about tips on transportation and finances,