Tips for a Successful Middle School Field Trip

Though Field Trips are an extremely rewarding experience, teachers may find the process a bit intimidating. In order to combat this feeling, it is imperative that preparation takes place, and that all possible issues are discussed prior to the trip itself. The potential challenge with a field trip is that it can be a disastrous event filled with chaos, disorganization, and poor student behavior. Though field trips come with risks, teaching itself is often full of risks, and the field trip is a worthy project to take on if teachers want to make the learning experience richer and more vibrant. However, in order to be successful, there are some aspects to consider.

You need to understand the environment of your destination. Before heading out to a field trip, the teacher should understand where they are going. While you can receive a great deal of knowledge through brochures, phone calls, and websites, it is wise to make a site visit, especially if you have not ventured to the location before. This gives you the opportunity to envision what things might look like when a large group of students are present, and take note of potential problems.

A field trip should be planned with as much detail as possible. Middle school students can be notoriously energetic, and if they are given free time in an environment outside of school, it can turn into a chaotic situation. Therefore, teachers should do their best to create an exact timetable of where everyone needs to be so that there is minimal downtime. Teachers should still build in time for traffic, delays, and unforeseen cancellations.

Field trips can be carefully planned, but teachers should assume that there might be some problems. The teacher doesn't have to be paranoid, but it is better to be prepared than be surprised. Teachers should have emergency numbers handy, and they should have plans to deal with sickness, injuries, lost students, discipline issues, and weather.

The field trip is intended to be an educational experience, and teachers have to keep to the schedule. However, the teacher should also build in enough breaks so that students are able to relax a bit, use the bathroom, and explore on their own. Breaks should be managed carefully because middle school students can quickly get bored or get into mischief if they are given too much freedom.

Finally, you should do your best to get as much help as possible whether it be in the form of other teachers, administrators, or parents. When it comes to managing a group of middle school students, crowd control is a major factor. Chaperones attending the trip should be given instruction so they can be effective at helping the teacher manage.

Do you have further questions before planning a field trip on your own? Do you have a desire to partner with Appleseed Expeditions? Through education, service, and adventure groups are able to receive a well-rounded trip full of learning, inspiration, and fun!  For more information or to sign up for an educational tour, call us at (877) 889-7150 or visit www.AppleseedExpeditions.com.