Nations Classroom Blog

More than ever, students need their teachers to be strong advocates for the value of experiential learning. To prepare for a discussion with administration about an educational trip, it helps to understand potential concerns and to be prepared to answer challenging questions. 

No school trip has ever taken off without the support of parents. Thinking ahead about their concerns will help you, as the trip leader, answer their questions and provide the reassurance families need to support the trip you’re planning for their children.

Here are ten things a trip leader can do to reassure families about the many benefits of a school trip.

The old adage, “You’re only as good as the company you keep,” is certainly true when you’re chaperoning a field trip.

Planning chaperone groups in a thoughtful and intentional way will help everyone make the most of the educational experience. There are a few ways to help make that happen.

One of the most stressful responsibilities for chaperones on a student trip is dispensing medications. Not only is it nerve racking for medical and liability reasons, it also can be laborious, which can slow down a tour group and throw off a well-planned itinerary.

Here is advice for creating a plan to effectively manage the distribution of student medications while on a school trip. 

In an effort to be even more inclusive of all students, Philadelphia's National Constitution Center now offers new resources to make the museum experience more accessible.  

Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorders, and other neurodevelopmental disabilities often find social stories to be a helpful way to successfully prepare for what to expect when traveling to a new place.

There are many people who make up a well-rounded student travel team. They are the get-it-done, supportive professionals who take the pressure off of you and who turn your ideas into amazing tour experiences.

Understanding what each team members does will help you rest assured knowing that every aspect of your tour will be well managed.

It takes a well-prepared group of chaperones to make the most of any field trip or educational tour. Before you hit the road, take time to meet with your reinforcements to make sure expectations are clear and that everyone has what they need to make it a great experience. 

Here are seven things you should cover during a meeting with your chaperones. 

You’re excited about planning a trip that has real value for your students. Now you need to gain reinforcements: your fellow teachers.

Before reaching out to other teachers for support, consider the questions they may ask. This will give you time to prepare your answers and gather all the appropriate information. Their questions also will prepare you for what an administrator or parent might ask.  

Here are four questions and responses that will help you earn the support of your colleagues.