Field Trips are important to help bridge the gap between education in the classroom and hands-on experience. You probably already know that school field trips are a vital part of any educational curriculum, whether online, virtual, on a bus from a traditional school or for a homeschooling family.
In addition, Field Trips can make learning fun and special, adding an element of novelty to a school routine.
In the current pandemic, without school in session, parents and teachers are looking for Virtual and Interactive Field Trips. Plus we can always take a cue from the many Homeschool Field Trips around SoCal.
Interactive Virtual Field Trips from Los Angeles Museums >>> click to read
Virtual Field Trips For Kids from Around California >> click to read
50 Terrific Virtual Field Trips – one in each of the United States >>> click to read
The Importance of Field Trips
Studies published by Resource Area for Teaching show “Teachers who conduct hands-on learning activities on a weekly basis out-perform their peers by more than 70% of a grade level in math and 40% of a grade level in science.” Field trips are crucial for every student to acquire a wealth of knowledge, cultural context, and hands-on experience.
Interactive Field Trips can help shape a child’s future, along with learning that continues outside the classroom.
How Field Trips are Interpreted by a Child
Here are a few things kids may think and feel as they get to experience more field trips:
1. Show me how to do it, so I can be successful.
2. I can see what it looks like at first glance.
3. The experience is in my memory. When I need to use it as a reference it will be available.
4. I participated in an activity, therefore I know feel more confident about my abilities.
5. Learning is fun when I get to explore and ask questions. I want to do more.
6. What if I want to study and work in this field?
7. I now know that my community supports me and I have access to the information.
Please consider helping your child’s teacher plan more field trips. Both now with Virtual Field Trips, and in the future for in-person experiences. It will change how you look at education and how you see your community.
TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs
Friday 31st of August 2012
Letting children learn hands-on is the best method for teaching new concepts as well as solidify others. I homeschool my daughter and know she gets WAY more out of field trips than reading a textbook!
Jennifer
Friday 31st of August 2012
My kids have been on some invaluable field trips, no doubt. There have also been a couple of time-wasters. I think it's important to consider the purpose of the field trip, the destination and the educational component. Class trips also build solidarity, which is nice.
Desiree Eaglin
Friday 31st of August 2012
I totally agree that field trips are an extension of education. I love taking my kids everywhere!
Valerie2350
Friday 31st of August 2012
Great info, Alma! Hands-on learning sticks with children long after the worksheets and classroom lectures are over.
Carla - Notas de Mamá
Friday 31st of August 2012
Great info! Field trips are very important. I might not remember what the teacher said when I was in class, but I do remember all the things I learnt in my field trips to the museum, zoo, botanical garden an other amazing places.