FRUGAL FIELD TRIPS
School field trips are an important component of
children’s education because they offer learning in a real-world
setting. Unfortunately, many schools are being forced to eliminate field
trips due to budget constraints. The good news is there are plenty of
educational excursions within walking distance that can be a valuable
learning experience for free or little money. And, with the weather getting nicer, it's time to get some fresh air, exercise, and edification!
The schoolyard – Gather a group of
energetic explorers and investigate the playground, soccer field, local
park and beyond. Make it a ‘green’ tour by asking participants to pick
up pieces of plastic or other litter. Point out the changing leaves,
wildlife, and structural designs of churches and school. Be sure to
greet any neighbors, the postman or construction workers. This can
easily be extended into a writing assignment by composing letters to a
local government agency or the media asking for cleaner streets,
commenting on road construction, damaged sidewalks or buildings in need
of repair.
The Fire Department - Firefighters are
especially generous with their time and often give tours of their
stations. Kids can see where these local heroes eat, sleep, and also
inspect the fire trucks. Ask, in advance, if one of the firemen would
teach the kids about fire safety tips such as “stop, drop and roll.”
Extend the lesson to include designing an emergency exit plan for school
and home. Follow up with a fire drill and thank you notes to the
firehouse.
The library - There are many ways to
take advantage of this invaluable resource. Contact the local librarian
who will be happy to schedule a story time activity or give a lecture on
the many library services. Conduct your own library scavenger hunt,
searching for Newbery or Caldecott award winning books. Ask students to
find books of the same genre or to participate in an author study.
Consider sending home library card applications before hand so kids
without a card can receive one during their visit.
The grocery store – Create healthy
eating habits by inspecting a grocery store or local farmer’s market.
Make lots and lots of lists. Make a list of healthy choices by scanning
the isles for foods on the Food Pyramid. Make a list of ethnic foods.
Compare the nutritional components and price range among a variety of
brands of similar items. Prepare a family meal and search for best
offers and ‘deals.’ For a real challenge, have a pre-determined budget.
A nursing home – Visiting the elderly is ideal
during Halloween or Christmas. Residents will be delighted to see cute
costumes, and kids will enjoy singing songs, sharing homemade cards,
decorations and cookies. Once you’ve decided on an assisted living
facility, make an appointment with the director to plan a visit and tour
the facility ahead of time. Follow up with notes to the residents and
encourage ongoing relationships by establishing pen pals.
Record all of these experiences in a field trip
log that includes the date of the field trip, place visited, what was
accomplished and what adventure should be next.
These trips are by no means exclusive to
the classroom. Parents can easily turn these field trips into family
outings, discovering and exploring together.
Happy field trip hunting!
Contact Margaret Lavin at elementarydays@gmail.com.
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