Lessons from a 4th Grade Field Trip

We have returned from Harrisburg! "We" meaning myself, three other teachers, various chaperones and about 75 4th graders.

Let me begin by stating that all in all it was a successful field trip. I enjoyed it thoroughly and even learned a few things along the way.

#1. Some parents that said they are coming may send their spouse as a substitute chaperone.

#2. Some students who weren't coming before will change their minds and come.

#3. Vomit splatters down Italian marble steps just like regular steps, only fancier.

#4. Always have your own plastic barf bags on hand, just in case the school nurse sends you on your way without an adequate supply.

#5. Parents sometimes need to be chaperoned. They like to ask you if they have enough time to do this or that just like your kids do. It's kinda funny.

#6. Reminding your kids about their manners allows the message to eventually sink in and it rubs off on them. They learn to behave well in public. People even compliment you on your kids from time to time. It's a good feeling.

#7. Children can be generous too. On the bus, several of the girls came up the aisle after we were on the way home from Chocolate World and presented their pregnant teacher with a onesie from the gift shop that said something to the effect of "I drool for chocolate" with a Hershey bar on it. Super cute.

#8. Drink caffeine on the way home so you're not the teacher who falls asleep and gets his picture taken on the bus with his mouth hanging open.

#9. There will inevitably be a kid in your group who told his parents the wrong time to pick him up, so have your permission slips and emergency numbers ready to go with your cell phone in hand.

#10. The best laid plans of mice and men...sometimes fall apart, so be ready to be flexible!

Supplemental Notes:

Prescreen movies before you show them on a bus trip. Only pick rated G movies.

Arrange your kids and chaperones using a seating chart so there is no question of where they are to be seated or who might be missing at the end of the day or between stops.

Have an itineary to hand to each parent chaperone as well as a map for each place you are going (when you get to each place, hand them a map and remind them of the place and time to meet)