Early Learning Project
Tip Sheet
What is a family field trip? When you and your child travel into the wide world with learning as your goal, you are on a field trip! Your destination can be as close as the front porch or as distant as a museum in another town. What are the secrets of successful family field trips?
Plan with care
- Where will you go? Illinois and neighboring states are packed with interesting places to visit. But keep in mind that to a young child, even the back yard or the neighborhood can offer many discoveries and new experiences.
- What will you see, do, and find out? Any trip can be a rich learning experience if you and your child go with questions to answer, problems to solve, or a list of “things to look for.” You and your child can observe, sketch, write, photograph, audiotape, count, measure, or take notes about the place you visit.
- How will you get there? Walking and biking are good ways to get physical exercise as part of the field trip. (Be sure to wear protective gear!) Traveling by bus, boat, train, or trolley can add to the learning experience.
- What will you want to consider in scheduling the trip? Trips with young children may need to include mealtime and naptime. Plan ahead so your child can get both. It’s a good idea to set a “rain date” with your child in case of bad weather. You might also want to avoid peak visiting times at large public places.
- What will you take? Maps, drinks and snacks, diapers (if needed), a change of clothes, books, paper and drawing materials, and change for parking meters are basic field trip equipment. Your trip might also call for special items like cameras, binoculars, tape recorders, or sandwich bags for collecting specimens. Family members can carry backpacks or “fanny packs” so their hands can be free.
- How will you assure your child’s safety on the trip? Parking lots, trails, and large crowds call for special safety precautions. Parents need to be especially vigilant. Talk with your child ahead of time about how to stay safe. Be specific and firm so that your child knows exactly what she needs to do.
Have a good time
- Don’t try to do too much. You can see and do more another time!
- If you have to wait, try playing games or looking at books with your child.
Follow up
After the trip, make time to talk with your child about the experience. Encourage her to tell you the story of the trip, and write it down while she watches you. Keep a scrapbook or collection box of specimens, photos, or other reminders of the trip. Your child might enjoy dramatic play with items from your field trip.To learn more about family field trips in Illinois, visit these Web sites!
- Illinois Department of Natural Resources
http://www.dnr.illinois.gov - Illinois Directory (from the Association of Children's Museums)
http://www.childrensmuseums.org/visit/us_members.htm#illinois - Museums in the State of Illinois (38 Total)
http://www.museumca.org/cgi-bin/cgiwrap/museumca/usa_search.cgi?state=il - Crossing the Street: How to Teach Your Child to Cross Safely
http://www.ocd.pitt.edu/Files/PDF/Parenting/CrossingTheStreet.pdf
For a copy of Illinois' Annual Visitor's Guide call:
1-800-2-CONNECTSpanish: Aprendizaje y diversión en las excursiones familiares
Disclaimer
The opinions, resources, and referrals provided on the IEL Web site are intended for informational purposes only and are not intended to take the place of medical or legal advice, or of other appropriate services. We encourage you to seek direct local assistance from a qualified professional if necessary before taking action.
The content of the IEL Web site does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Illinois Early Learning Project, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or the Illinois State Board of Education; nor does the mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the Illinois Early Learning Project, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, or the Illinois State Board of Education.