The Power of Field Trips and ELLs
If you haven’t planned a field trip before…brace yourself. In most cases there is a lot of red tape that goes along with planning a field trip. There have been moments when I have been planning trips and thought this is A LOT of work! I am not saying that to scare you, but I want you to know that it is was worth every permission slip gone missing, every student who paid at the last minute, every piece of paperwork I had to submit. To help with the process I have included a ESL Teacher Field Trip Checklist that will help with your planning. The link to the guide is below.
Travel Strengthens Relationships
It doesn’t matter if you are taking a field trip down the street (Ours are usually close to the school), travel strengthens relationships. I can’t quite explain why but when you go somewhere with a group of people your bond with them strengthens. This is no different when you take your students on a field trip. Think back on trips you have been with your family and friends. I believe a big part of it is that us as a class is experiencing something new and exciting together.
During field trips we are learning and growing together. That is why this school year I am not waiting to plan a field trip with my students. Building relationships is key to a successful classroom. Planning for field trips is an easy way for you to build relationships with your students. PLUS field trips are so much fun! Building relationships has a positive impact on your students academic and social growth in your classroom.
Once your students trust you and you have taken the time to build relationships with them they will be willing to move mountains. Behavior improves in the class as well as their academics. So plan that field trip! Here are some quick tips just in case your school has a strict policy.
Align your field trip to a unit you are teaching
For example, my students we be learning about Frederick Douglas in an upcoming unit. For a field trip I am planning on taking the students to the National Civil Rights Museum. This field trip will have the students make connections to the text. This will help increase comprehension when it is time for the students to read the text.
Research for FREE Field Trips
There are a lot of museums and places of interest that have field trips for free for students. Look into those places and don’t be afraid to ask for a discount for students. This will make it more affordable for your students. Most public schools provide a sack lunch for students, so your trips can be more accessible for students.
Field trips are such a great way to build relationships with your students. Take 30 minutes to plan out some you are going to do this year with your students. I want you to commit to planning 2 field trips this school year with your ELLs. I promise you through all the red tape you will be so happy you did!
