Homeschooling Chronicles - Top 10 Field Trip Tips

Homeschoolers enjoy nothing more than going out to explore the world. The word "home" may be in the word homeschooling, but often there is more time spent outside of home on experiential endeavors, than sitting at home doing book work. Visits to museums, factories and special events, are great ways for students to experience hands-on learning. And, our homeschool schedule allows us to take advantage of many opportunities. However, making a field trip run smoothly while providing education takes forethought and planning.

One of the best field trip options is to find a venue that complements what you are studying.  Businesses, factories, and other places may not advertise tours, but a friendly phone inquiry might reveal that, in fact, tours are available. Often, there is already some type of school field trip program in place. The Adventure Science and Discovery Center in Nashville, Tennessee, for example, has many labs that can be reserved. You just have to know they are available.

It can be advantageous to organize a field trip for your family, and then invite other homeschoolers to join you. Sometimes there is a group discount available. Other times, special school tours are offered, but they require a minimum number of attendees. Also, if you organize a trip, you may be invited on a trip someone else plans.  One of the best parts of choosing to organize a group field trip is that can to choose the date and time that work best with your schedule. A quick email to your friends is an efficient way to get others to join you. Decide ahead of time the maximum number of people you are willing to accommodate. And remember, if you send an email invitation, make sure to have all of the pertinent information in the email. Include location, time, cost, description, and appropriate age level. By clearly communicating the details, you will avoid misunderstandings and a plethora of clarifying follow-up phone calls and emails.

Setting a date for reservations and money to be due is important for the organizer. It is also important that everyone understand whether last minute cancellations will jeopardize the trip (minimum number of participants required) and if they will, or will not receive a monetary refund. It is wise to have everyone signed up and money collected prior to the actual trip day. 

Below is a top ten list for field trips. Adherence to these rules will make the field trip experience pleasant for everyone, and will ensure that your family is included on the next trip. 

1. Send your money in on time, don’t wait until the last minute, or until you get the third reminder from the organizer.

2. Remember that generally speaking, the organizer is a volunteer. She is as busy as everyone else.

3. Arrive a little early.

4. If you are late, know that the field trip will start without you. Tardiness inconveniences everyone and could reflect poorly on the person who coordinated the field trip. 

5. Make sure your children are well behaved. If younger children are acting up, politely excuse yourself. There are usually plenty of parents on the trip who will watch your older children.

6. If you need directions, don’t call the organizer, take some initiative and MapQuest it yourself.

7. Complaining about the field trip, or how it was arranged, is not positive for anyone.  Remember, if you don't like it, organize your own trip next time.

8. If you feel like asking for a reminder for what field trip you signed up for, if you paid, etc., remember to reread rule number 2.

9. Thank the business, factory, or wherever you visited. Also, remember to thank the organizer.

10. Remember when you are out, your family’s behavior is a reflection on the organizer and the homeschool community. Behavior, good or bad, reinforces stereotypes.

A well planned field trip can provide creative learning.