Homeschool Field Trips

• Choose outings that relate to subjects you are studying. Read fiction and non-fiction books, or watch videos to spark your child’s interest. Have older children make lists of questions to ask their tour guide.

• Help your child connect new information to information she already knows. Ask questions like, ”What does this remind you of?” or “Why do you think this happened?” Encourage your child to ask questions and make an effort to find out the answers. Bring along a study guide, if available.

• Follow your child’s lead, and linger or move on according to his interests. Don’t rush through the displays in an attempt to see everything that is available. With older children, you may want to take a break for lunch and return to the field trip location.

• Browse the gift shop for educational books and activities. You may also want to purchase postcards to mail to family members or place in a scrapbook.

• Keep a field trip notebook, journal or scrapbook where your child can write about what she has learned. Include photos, drawings, ticket stubs and post cards. As a related writing activity, have your child send a thank you note to company personnel.

Here are some tips on choosing and preparing for homeschooling field trips, along with a free, printable field trip checklist.