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FIELD TRIP Tips for Homeschoolers
By S. C. Torrington

Several years ago, I coordinated a field trip to an agri-tourism farm for my homeschool group. When it came time to do some pumpkin chunkin’ (or flinging), the farmer asked the kids to line up to take turns shooting the sling-shot device. Instead of forming a long, snaking column, with only one child at its head, our children stood in a compact row, side-by-side, so everyone could see the action.

I noticed an expression of momentary befuddlement on our docent’s face. But she worked with this arrangement, and all the kids got a cheer for their friends upfront—and I had one of those home-educating epiphanies. Looking at our crazy quilt of kids, ranging in age from toddlers to tweens, I realized that we weren’t like the busload of 30 fourth graders our guide was used to leading. It’s these differences in a homeschooling group that require special consideration when coordinating a field trip.

Where does your group want to go?

Think local. Between gas prices and cranky kids, you’ll do best to find opportunities within a half-hour drive. No matter where you live, I bet there’s plenty from which to choose, especially during the fall harvest season. Pick-your-own produce is always an easy, favorite activity.

Who’s going?

This aspect probably will have the most influence on your group’s choice of destination. Many home-educating families come with babies or preschoolers as well as older children. Be aware that museums and other traditional venues often plan tours divided by age or grade levels. Check with the education coordinators of these programs for recommendations that are broad enough for your group’s age range or ask about separate tours for the younger or older students.

Suggest to the docents to “teach up” to the older children, knowing that the kindergarten or primary grade-aged kids will glean what they can from the experience. Remember, parents will be there to supervise, explain tour aspects and lend a hand to their own children.

What do you want to do once you get there?

Not having to get back in time to catch the school bus affords homeschool groups the luxury to make a day of any trip. A few important questions to ask include on-site lunch or nearby picnic options, how long your group may linger after your tour, where to park and whether the location is stroller-friendly.

Sometimes, a guided tour isn’t what your group wants or needs at all. Those educational activities are generally well-scripted and run on a certain time clock. A self-guided stroll lends itself to a home-educated kid’s curiosity and a toddler’s pace. And with a little thought and preparation on the part of the parents, their children can enjoy a customized field trip sure to meet their learning styles

Remember, the majority of the attractions that your group will consider are open to the public. Never feel like you can’t visit a certain venue just because it doesn’t offer educational tours per se. If there’s some place the kids want to check out, just call and tell them you’re coming with a group of home-educating families. Most times, the establishment will be happy to host your tour, especially during their slow times. Nowadays, homeschoolers are big business.

Museums of all types often offer self-guided as well as docent-led tours. Some tours are designed to follow signage or a map; others provide audio tours, complete with headsets. Nature centers have miles of trails for hiking. Onsite kiosks may provide field guides of local plants and fauna.

Avail yourself of adult educational opportunities occasionally offered by museums, centers and historical societies. Borrow a location’s Teachers’ Resource Kit to prepare your students for an upcoming field trip or as a stand-alone workshop. These do-it-yourself lesson planners may include slides, videotapes, DVDs, samples, maps and prepared lesson plans for varied skill levels. Then save yourself the headache of holding a class in a private home and reserve a public library conference room with audiovisual equipment, if needed.

Finally, it should go without saying that everyone needs to be on his or her best behavior when on field trips. The broader boundaries of home may not be appropriate in a museum. If you sign up, you need to show up for a field trip. Many homeschool support groups and co-ops appoint a field trip coordinator as the organizer and liaison for all activities. Understand the expectations and rules of the venue. But make sure they, too, understand the needs, interests and diversity of your families. We are quite a different school of fish.

S. C. Torrington is a freelance writer.