Ideas for Elementary School Field Trips
School field trips give children a break from the classroom and allow them to experience learning in a new and exciting way. The educational information that is gained from the field trip's destination will challenge children to follow new rules and instruction. Students will also learn by having fun, and, when having fun, children are more likely to remember the lesson.
Other People Are Reading
-
Fitness Center
-
Childhood obesity has more than tripled over the past 30 years, and a lesson on physical fitness can be taught at a local fitness center. Arrange a time to visit a gym during off-peak hours. A gym's trainer can show the children around the facility as well as give them nutrition tips. Children can learn about different muscles in their bodies and how different pieces of equipment can help develop these muscles. The importance of goal setting can also be stressed. Depending on the age of the children and the gym's policy, children might be able to use some equipment.
Farm
-
A visit to a farm provides students with an opportunity to use all of their senses. At a farm they can touch, smell and taste the things they are learning about, which will aide in their understanding of the classroom lessons. Simple farm lessons such as picking produce, gathering eggs or milking a cow are worthwhile experiences. Also, children might be able to participate in planting, weeding or grooming the animals.
-
Restaurant
-
Children will enjoy the experience of seeing how a restaurant operates and enjoy seeing the different jobs that are performed by its employees. Visiting a restaurant during off-hours, such as the afternoon, is key to making the most out of the visit. Children can see how the food is prepared and stored, how tables are set and how meals are served. Children might also be able to take turns playing the role of the waiter, cook or customer.
-
References
- LSU Ag Center: Field Trips Help Children Learn Through Experiences
- CDC: Childhood Obesity
- University of California, Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program: A Farmer's Guide to Hosting Farm Visits for Children
- New Mexico State University: Just Be It - Healthy and Fit
- Scholastic: Early Childhood Winning Ideas Contest: Top 5 Fabulous Field Trip Ideas
- Photo Credit scholl bus Gettyberg image by Andrew Breeden from Fotolia.com
