How to help your child prepare for a field trip

Field trips or excursions play an important role in a child. Field trips make the child aware of his surroundings, give 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. Here are a few tips to help the child prepare for a field trip.

• Get basic information before going
• Get prepared on the previous night
• Choose the appropriate clothes
• Talk to your child
• Ensure your child is all set to go
• Instruct your child to take notes
• Take Precautions
• Prepare a safety kit
• Give the required amount of cash
• Provide detailed contact information.

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. 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 meals are required, then keep them ready in airtight containers. 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. For hot and humid weather, select light coloured 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. Make the child prepare for 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 on 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. To ensure everything goes smoothly, a good nights sleep is very essential. It will help him to ease out the tension, make him relaxed. A good nights 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. 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 ingrain knowledge in his mind. Taking photographs also keeps the memories fresh in mind, which can help in later use. 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 with all the necessary first aid tools including an antiseptic, bandage for minor cuts or bruises. Include some mosquito repellents as well. 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. 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 his home address, telephone number, and other important information by heart.