Field trips or excursions play an important role in a child. Field trips make the child aware of his surroundings, gives the child outer knowledge and make them understand the difference between right and wrong.
Above all, it brings a change in the daily routine of the child which makes him more energetic and lively.
The children anxiously wait for the day of their field trips and start the countdown much before the day to arrive. The excitement to learn new skills, observe new things cannot hold them back.
Here are a few tips to make the child prepare for a field trip.
Get basic information before going
For both parents and children, it is important to know the purpose of the trip and all the other details associated with it. Parents should be informed about everything from the day of departure to the day of arrival and what activities will be conducted with the students during the trip.
Get prepared on the previous night
Arrange all the necessary things the night before the trip to avoid the last-minute chaos. Pack everything that is required for the trip.
Pay attention to essential things like money, medicines (if required), documents (if asked to carry with the child). Make sure the child knows where they are kept in the bag.
Besides, select the next day’s clothes, iron them and keep them in the right place. If some light, simple tiffins are required, then prepare some sandwiches, Parathas or cupcakes and keep them ready in airtight containers.
Choose the appropriate clothes
Choose the right clothes depending on the weather, place and activities of the child. Prefer to give comfortable clothes to the child and avoid unnecessary fillings in the bag, which will make the bag too heavy and difficult for the child to carry on his own.
For hot and humid weather, select light colored cotton clothes. If it is monsoon, provide an umbrella or a raincoat. An additional set of clothes is very important to keep in case the child gets wet or the clothes become too dirty.
Talk to your child
Make the child prepare about the upcoming trip by talking to him, by teaching him some necessary and practical skills and life lessons. Teach him how they should behave in public places, whom to avoid and how to choose friendly people.
Guide them what they should do if they feel anxious at certain times or feel nauseous or face any other problems. Teach them that they should report to their teachers if they face something unusual.
Discuss with them about the possible situations he may face during the trip and make him mentally prepared for the field trip.
Ensure your child is all set to go
To ensure everything goes on smoothly, a good night’s sleep is very essential. It will help him to ease out the tension, make him relaxed.
A good night’s sleep helps the child become energetic and fresh the next morning. Wake up your child well in advance, to complete the routine tasks of having breakfast, bathing and other things to reach the school on time.
Go through the checklist for the last time to make sure nothing is left out. Finally, remind the child about his do’s and don’ts.
Instruct your child to take notes
Discuss with your child the importance of taking notes during the field trip. Field trips don’t happen every day, so jotting down notes is very important. It is an important part of learning during field trips.
Provide a notepad, and a pen separately in his bag so that he can use them whenever required. This will help him to retain more information and engrain the knowledge in his mind.
Taking photographs also keeps the memories fresh in mind which can help in later use.
Take Precautions
It is necessary to stay equipped with all the necessary precautions. Following the safety rules can help him whenever needed.
If your child is allergic to something, inform the teacher well in advance before the trip. Also, teach your child how to avoid contact with the allergen and how to control it if he becomes allergic in case.
If your child feels scared or becomes nervous in certain situations or incidents inform the teacher about this as well. Also, you may inform this to some of the child’s friends. They may help him out.
Inform the child thoroughly if he requires any medication at any particular time of the day. Inform the teachers about the same.
Prepare a safety kit
Prepare a safety kit with all the necessary first aid tools including an antiseptic, bandage for minor cuts or bruises. Include some mosquito repellents as well.
Give the required amount of Cash
Give cash as much as is required for the number of days allotted for the trip. Excess cash can lead to wastage and mismanagement of money, while insufficient cash can lead him to trouble.
Field trips make the child learn how and where to spend money wisely and within the budget. Your child may wish to buy something for a memorandum or just to have fun. To make an idea of the expenditures you may ask the teacher for help to provide the appropriate sum of money.
Provide detailed contact information.
Furnish full contact details to the teacher-in-charge before the trip. Mention clearly where and whom to contact if required. Also, make the child learn and memorize it well before leaving for the trip.
Your child should know about his home address, telephone number and other important information by heart.
Conclusion
These tips can surely help parents and their children to prepare for a field trip. Field trips are very helpful in the child’s schooling years and following these tips can make the child aware of his own safety and security.
The parents can also feel relieved and can send their child peacefully if the above guidelines are followed accordingly.