“The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1
Do you remember those days in school when you went on a field trip? Remember the excitement of waking up that day knowing you would not have to sit at a desk? I remember being so excited to go with my class to the zoo or the science museum. It didn’t matter where we went as long as we were doing something different.
Today, Mellie and I have a full day planned with her friend. The joys of homeschooling mean we can take frequent field trip days and still get our work done. She is so excited. She has our picnic lunch packed along with jars of peas ready to feed the ducks at the park. We will pick up her friend and then head over to the mini putt place for a game. Mellie has a gift ready that she made for her friend and planned her outfit out days ago.
The excitement is definitely tangible here.
I, on the other hand, have my planning done. This includes knowing when we will leave to pick up her friend. I’ve checked in with her mom to let her know all the details and I’ve timed how long it will take to get from point A to point B and then on to point C. I’ve got in mind what time we need to bring her friend home and be back at our place later this afternoon.
All this planning got me thinking of my mom. She was a teacher for years (and I DO mean YEARS) at small and big schools. She took countless children on field trips where they got on the big yellow bus and then had to be herded off to walk around the zoo (for example) all day. The planning these teachers must have had to do for one day with so many students! The effort that must have been put forth to keep a bunch of children on the path going in the same direction and getting from point A to point B in the park must have been a constant source of care.
I didn’t realize until I started homeschooling and planning my own field trips with my few children how much work they are for the adults.
So why take them?
We know that field trips offer not only a time for children to be around their friends and others but provides a source of education that no textbook will give them. The fresh air provides health benefits that no amount of chalk dust can compete with. The conversations one on one with the students and the teachers provide enlightenment into how the students’ learning is going. This gives the teacher the ability to readjust and help the student. Yes, the field trips aren’t easy to plan and execute always. I’m sure there are hiccups that we have to deal with but they are as valuable to a child’s education as any textbook.