Benefits of Field Trips – 4 Hour Class

December 2, 2016, 08:00 AM
In our class, we try to go on a few outings during the month. Since September we have been on a few. To name some like the Nature Park, the Pumpkin Patch, the Recycling Depot, the Library, and to visit our Grand pals. Most recently, we have been to the Airport and to Larry Berg Flight Park.

Going on field trips gives the children learning opportunities away from our regular class environment. It provides them with new experiences and challenges in a different setting than school. It helps them learn in an interactive manner and also provides hands on learning opportunities. For some it’s taking risks out of their comfort zone and for some it’s a way to experience new adventures with their peers.

Other benefits of field trips are that they provide varied ways of learning which help children succeed if they are visual learners, auditory learners or kinetic learners. It is amazing to see what children see through their eyes and to listen to their comments and conversations amongst each other. Sometimes the children may not discuss their experiences immediately but during the days after, we do hear things that pertain to the outing. It’s amazing what they retain and how they learn through experiences.
 
During our trip to the airport the children were excited to see the planes taking off from the observation deck. It triggered memories of when they went on a trip or when they came to the airport to pick up a family member. There was much chatter going on. We explored with the telescopes and the 3D model that was showcased. There were also simple learning opportunities such as walking through the busy airport and staying with the group and using our safety awareness when walking from the bus to the airport entrance way.
 

 
 
When we went to the Flight Park, we climbed the huge globe in the centre of the park and looked at all the different countries and continents. We counted planes and helicopters that went above us. We also had our snack in the park and exerted a lot of energy by running along the globe and climbing up and down. We also made gliders prior to going on our field trip to take with us to fly at the park.



Field trips enable social interaction, community awareness and exposure to new places and new ideas. It is a way to connect to the real world, and to our community. I believe there is an opportunity for learning everywhere and not just in the classroom.

Until next time, take care
Deanna
WRCC
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