4 Field Trip Tips for Parents

As a parent, you may feel uneasy about planning and packing for your child’s upcoming field trip, or may even be nervous for your child’s reaction to new experiences. Field trips provide hands-on learning activities and opportunities to see, explore, and do things they don’t usually do in a classroom. For example, U-GRO’s Summer Safari program incorporates field trips for children ages four and up to expand their knowledge and encourage ongoing learning outside the classroom.

However, everyone recognizes that leaving the classroom is a break from the normal classroom routine, which can be stressful. To help your child have a successful trip, here are some preschool field trip tips you can use to gain a peace of mind.

Dress Your Child Properly

Dressing your child properly begins with checking the school’s dress code. For young children, their centers may provide a t-shirt, so all students are dressed the same and can easily be identified as part of the group. Our friends love rocking their U-GRO t-shirts!

Also, ensure your child is prepared for the weather and conditions of the day. For example, if the trip is to an outdoor area, you may want to make sure your child has sunscreen and a hat. Also, do not forget about footwear. Your child will likely be walking a lot, so choose shoes that are comfortable.

Talk With Your Child

Whether or not you think your child will run onto the bus with excitement, give your child an idea of what to expect. If he or she has never been on a field trip, then take time to explain what will happen. You also should explain the importance of staying with the group/chaperone and following all the rules. Be sure to keep your talk upbeat and positive and share tips that can help, such as looking for the school colors so you stay with the group.

If the field trip requires riding a bus and your child hasn’t ridden one before, then talk about that, too. Chances are, they’ll be excited to ride the bus with their friends! Make sure you explain how fun it can be. You can even dust off a few verses of The Wheels on the Bus and sing together!

Pack a Healthy Lunch

Most schools will require children to bring a packed lunch in a bag that can be thrown away, so avoid packing with any containers. Here are a few essentials that are great to pack for field trips:

• Crackers
• Apple slices or grapes (fruit with juice is great for warm weather)
• Extra water (freeze to keep food extra cold)
• Nut-free foods

Pack everything in a plastic bag with your child’s name on it. Have him or her decorate the bag the night before with stickers! After all, field trips are fun!

Understand Responsibilities as a Chaperone

If you’re attending your child’s field trip, you are responsible for your child on the scheduled trip. This includes behavior and safety. The childcare center will have you sign a field trip waiver form that outlines your responsibilities, as well as the center policies regarding things like transportation. If you have any questions, touch base with the center director prior to the field trip.

Field trip safety is everyone’s job. Your child’s teachers work hard to plan fun, educational trips. As a parent, you can really help, too. Preparing your child for the trip can make this new experience much easier for you and your child.