Guidelines for a Successful Field Trip

Field trip days are often the best days of the entire school year. Most students look forward to this day for weeks or months! Thats why it is important that you mind some basic rules to keep the trip safe and enjoyable. Be Safe Dont get reckless on the bus. You dont want your day to end early, do you? Misbehavior on the bus can get you into trouble and ruin your day. You could end up sitting on the bus while the others enjoy the destination.Dont wander off. Listen carefully when the teacher gives instructions about sticking with the group or sticking with an assigned partner even when going to the restroom. Dont ever wander off on your own, or your trip could end badly. If you break this rule, you could end up with the teacher as your partner!Respect the chaperones. You should respect any chaperones and listen to them as you would your own teacher or parents. Chaperones have a big responsibility, watching after so many students at one time. They cant afford to give too much attention to one squeaky wheel, so they will probably be intolerant to distractions. Dont be disruptive.Respect nature. Some field trips will take you into contact with animals or plants. For your own safety, be mindful of potential dang ers and dont assume you can tug, pull, tease, or touch things safely.Dont roughhouse. You may visit a factory containing equipment  with moving parts, or a museum with rooms full of pottery and glass, or a riverside with fast-running water. Kids dont always think about the dangers that come with certain places, so think about the potential hazards before you go, and remember not to push or pull on friends.Keep an eye on the clock. If you are supposed to meet your group for lunch or for loading onto the bus, you should keep an eye on the time. You dont want to miss lunch, and you surely dont want to be left behind. Have Fun Arrive in plenty of time to get on the bus. You dont want to miss the fun day because you ran into heavy traffic. Plan ahead and leave early.Eat and drink in designated places. Dont assume you can buy a soda from a machine and drink it anywhere. Your destination site might have strict limitations when it comes to drinking or eating on site.Dress for hot and cold. If its a warm day, it could be really cold inside a building. If its cold outside, it could be steamy inside! Try to dress in layers so you can add and subtract as necessary.Dont litter. You can be banned from some locations for this. Dont be sent back to the bus!Bring comfort items for the ride. If you are facing a long bus ride, ask if you can bring a pillow or small cover for comfort. Be Smart Bring along a small recording device or a notebook  because you know there will be a follow-up assignment or quiz.Pay attention to any speakers. If your teacher has arranged a speaker, and if a speaker takes time out of his/her day to share wisdom with you, dont ignore it! This trip is for your education. Oh — and there probably will be a quiz.