Learning outside the classroom can be just as fundamentally important as skills that are learned inside the classroom.
Teachers can show students real life applications to ideas and theories that they teach during the school day. Field trips are a fantastic way to implement these learning procedures. Whether it’s through a trip to the zoo to see animals in their natural habitat, or to a local library to read books, preschoolers can benefit exponentially from learning outside the classroom.
Not only do field trips outside the classroom enrich the curriculum, but they also expand preschoolers interests in different subject areas. It is vital that educators select age appropriate and safe activities that their students will love. One of the most exciting and exhilarating aspects of a field trip for students is the opportunity to go somewhere new and learn interesting factoids about specific subject areas.
- The local library is a fantastic way to get students immersed into the wonders of reading. Reading is a lifelong skill, and getting students excited about it at a young age is critical to developing a long lasting, positive relationship about it. It is important to allow preschoolers to have the freedom of exploration. Brain development at this stage of a 4-5 year-old is critical. By allowing students to choose their own books, they are in control of reading what interests and fascinates them the most. An alternative option is to have the librarian teach preschoolers how to find books on topics they’re interested in.
- The zoo is a great way to combine science and fun into one special day. Teaching students about habitat and animals is exciting for many young preschoolers. Additionally, zoology can be easily connected with environmental work and climate change. All of these topic areas are interdisciplinary and a great way to teach children about such important and prevalent work in the 21st century. This trip can also be done in conjunction with a trip to a park. Have parents pack a picnic for their children and enjoy the day outside. Also, who doesn’t love a great outdoor day trip with furry friends?
- A restaurant or bakery offers insight for how some of their favorite foods are made. There is plenty of cool and intriguing equipment for children to learn about like the giant freezer, commercial mixers, ovens, stoves, and many more. Not only is this a great way to teach preschoolers about the importance of where their food comes from, but it is also a great way to incorporate kitchen safety into their learning experience. Safety is a great way to integrate real life lessons into a field trip. This will leave both administrators and parents thrilled with the outcome.
Field trips are an essential component to applying classroom knowledge to the real world. This is a skill that these preschoolers will be able to implement for the rest of their lives. From the zoo, to the library, to a local restaurant or bakery, children will have an incredible time learning new skills and ideas in a new and exciting setting.
