After reading Homeschool Adventures: Learning through Field Trips by Melissa Calaap, I knew field trips were going to be a regular part of our homeschool journey. Hands-on learning, experiences, talking with people on site.. that is where deep learning happens. And honestly, field trips were the best days of my own public school experience. Hello Ft Wayne Children's Zoo, Amish Acres, and Cotton Bowl Parade.
My local homeschool community regularly organized park days, the occasional trip to the museum, IMAX movie, and other one-off meet-ups, but there wasn't a regular set pattern of field trips on the caliber of what I was looking for. So I had a decision to make. Did I sit and wait for others to create the opportunities I was looking for or did I do it myself?
Now, coming from the public school background I came from, my first inclination was to wait for others to come up with the idea and organize it. I mean that's how it worked at the schools, right? In fact, the school administrators and teachers made all the decisions for me - what classes were offered, what time classes were held, how the topics were presented, what field trips were offered and when. I had no say, no input. It's just the way it is.
Homeschooling allows me the freedom, privilege, and responsibility of doing all of that for myself. And so, one day, daughter and I sat down and brainstormed field trip ideas. And our list was extensive - one day of archery lessons, riding horses in the mountains, making a wooden boogie board, touring the post office, an overnight backpacking trip, surfing, and so many more. Suddenly, the whole world opened up to us. The only limits were the time and money we had available.
The best part? We could invite our friends to join us because they all are homeschoolers too!!
I encourage you, especially if you are new to homeschooling, to take the reins and do your own organizing and planning of excursions, field trips, meet-ups. Support other organizers by attending theirs, even if it isn't high on your interest list. Coordinate with other organizers so you don't overlap.
Most of all, have fun!!
Cheers
Ann
My local homeschool community regularly organized park days, the occasional trip to the museum, IMAX movie, and other one-off meet-ups, but there wasn't a regular set pattern of field trips on the caliber of what I was looking for. So I had a decision to make. Did I sit and wait for others to create the opportunities I was looking for or did I do it myself?
Now, coming from the public school background I came from, my first inclination was to wait for others to come up with the idea and organize it. I mean that's how it worked at the schools, right? In fact, the school administrators and teachers made all the decisions for me - what classes were offered, what time classes were held, how the topics were presented, what field trips were offered and when. I had no say, no input. It's just the way it is.
Homeschooling allows me the freedom, privilege, and responsibility of doing all of that for myself. And so, one day, daughter and I sat down and brainstormed field trip ideas. And our list was extensive - one day of archery lessons, riding horses in the mountains, making a wooden boogie board, touring the post office, an overnight backpacking trip, surfing, and so many more. Suddenly, the whole world opened up to us. The only limits were the time and money we had available.
The best part? We could invite our friends to join us because they all are homeschoolers too!!
I encourage you, especially if you are new to homeschooling, to take the reins and do your own organizing and planning of excursions, field trips, meet-ups. Support other organizers by attending theirs, even if it isn't high on your interest list. Coordinate with other organizers so you don't overlap.
Most of all, have fun!!
Cheers
Ann
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