Social Studies Field Trips
Tips for Field Trips with Primary Grade Students
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Each field trip needs some specific planning for everything to run smoothly. Teachers should always make sure to include the following:
- Letter home
- This explains where the class will be going, the purpose of the trip, costs, requests for chaperones, and a tear-off permission slip to go on the trip. Also inquire as to whether a child will need medication during the trip.
- Chaperone letter
- Thanking volunteers ahead of time works great! The teacher also can outline her/his expectations of chaperones for the trip, their responsibilities, and any extra materials the class or chaperone might need (such as a picnic blanket, cameras, etc.).
- Scavenger hunt
- Develop a simple, fun, and guaranteed successful activity for the children to do during the bus trip. Ask adults to help out. This will reduce problems on the bus.
- "I need . . . " paper
- The day before the trip, work with the students to write an "I need . . . " paper. This would included: a bag lunch with a small drink, weather appropriate clothing, a good night's sleep, a nutritious breakfast, and, of course, manners and a smile. Have students take home and share with parent(s).
- Name tags
- This is a great way to squeeze in some economics! The day before the trip, establish a production line to create name tags for the students. Within an hour the class will have the best name tags available!
- Thank you letter to chaperones
- In their groups, children can write a simple thank you for the adult chaperone(s) who went with them. They can all work on one note or each child can write his/her own. If a classmate's parent was a chaperone, that child can take the letter home. Other letters can be mailed.
- Thank you letter to staff at field trip site
- The class can write a thank you note to the staff at the field trip site. This can be written on chart paper, recording individual or whole class messages. Illustrations may accompany this note.
Developed by Eleanor Shutak, Wheaton Woods E.S.
© Montgomery County Public Schools, 1996.
Last updated on March 9, 1997
Maintained by Martin M. Creel: Marty_Creel@fc.mcps.k12.md.us
