| One of our family's favorite part of | | | | 6) Choose the date and time |
| homeschooling was the regular field trips we took. | | | | 7) Where there be a place to eat there, or should |
| Sometimes we go with the support group and | | | | everyone bring a lunch? |
| their families, and other times just ourselves. It's a | | | | Get all the details, and make a short presentation |
| great way to get out of the house, and enjoy | | | | to your support group. If you have a large group |
| activities outside the "normal" schoolwork. | | | | of homeschooling families in your area, make sure |
| Many times when you're studying a particular | | | | you let them know well in advance so that it can |
| subject, you may decide that a field trip to the | | | | be placed in the support group newsletter, and |
| local museum or university science lab would fit in | | | | any necessary fliers may be sent home to them. |
| perfectly with what you're learning. So, what are | | | | Decide on your method of travel. Will everyone |
| you waiting for? Go for it! You're the teacher. You | | | | be on their own? Will you carpool? Will you rent a |
| don't need anyone else's permission to stop the | | | | small bus? If you're all going separately, decide on |
| regular lessons for the day, and just go out on a | | | | a place to meet at the location, and then decide |
| field trip. | | | | on a place to meet at the end of the event, just |
| Not everyone is that spontaneous, however. So, | | | | in case some people get lost during the field trip. |
| why not plan ahead and gather some information | | | | At least they'll know when and where to meet. |
| about the different places you'd like to visit? If | | | | Of course, in this day and age, cell phones come |
| you're part of a local support group, then by all | | | | in handy too! |
| means include them in your plans as well. Most | | | | Remember, this field trip is not just a fun way to |
| homeschooling families love field trips, and look for | | | | get out of doing school work. It's part of the |
| every opportunity to be a part of one. | | | | homeschooling education process [ as well. So, |
| Here are a couple of suggestions to help you plan | | | | make sure your kids bring their cameras and |
| your next trip: | | | | writing material. Don't hurry things, but take the |
| 1) Decide where you would like to go | | | | necessary time to get the most out of the |
| 2) Find out the fees needed, and if they give | | | | event. If there's a guide available, whether a book, |
| school discounts | | | | pamphlet, or even a person, make use of this |
| 3) What age groups is this field trip appropriate | | | | wonderful resource. |
| for? | | | | And finally, while it is an educational event, it's also |
| 4) Are there any special things about this place | | | | a fun event! So make sure you don't treat this |
| you would like to emphasise? | | | | time as simply "school time". Have fun, and enjoy |
| 5) What's the best size of group for this field trip? | | | | the time you spend with your children. |