Although at times it's easier to stay in the school, the hands-on and real life learning that comes from going on field trips, gives your child more than just book knowledge. Besides the usual field trip destinations like the museum or science center, school field trips encompass just about any activity outside your home, from a walk in the woods, to a trip to the grocery store.
No matter where you live, there are many places to visit and explore. From famous landmarks to hidden parks and streams, the world is yours to discover!
School field trips can be an integral part of a school’s curriculum — adding first-hand experience to what students are studying in class. You get to hang out with your friends, don’t have to go to class, and get to go and see new places and do new things. And they can be a fun way to celebrate graduation or the end of a school year.
Not all schools and teachers, however, value them equally — some schedule weekly outings while others prefer to keep kids in class. Some schools also struggle to find enough chaperons, especially in communities where parents work long hours.
But not for Children School of Tomorrow (located inside Camella Homes Bacoor Cavite, Philippines) because as early as 6:00 AM last November 26, 2010, the excited students, teachers, parents and chaperons (including myself) journeyed around Metro Manila and the nearby province of Laguna to visit historical, cultural, scientific and even culinary venues. To reinforce their learning, follow up Math, Science and Arts. Literacy activities were conducted by knowledgeable tour guides while on the bus.
I’ve been a chaperon of my 3 children for the past 3 years and I can say it is the much awaited part of the school year for them. This year’s itinerary was a visit to “Kulturang Pinoy,” “Paradizoo,” “Go Nuts Donuts Factory,” and the highlight of the trip was the famous theme park in the Philippines, where else, but the “Enchanted Kingdom.”
Over the years we have visited the zoos, historical museums, art galleries, science centers, monuments, famous landmarks, and businesses. As a homeschooling parent, you have the ability to be more flexible in the education you provide your children. Learning happens best when concepts are reinforced through a variety of ways, from books to hands-on projects.
And so, below I have for you some pictures as well as a bit on what an itinerary might look like for Children School of Tomorrow's educational field trip.
(My son Andrei (6th Grader) with classmates at Paradizoo, the newest destination South of Manila, a theme farm in Mendez, Cavite, near Tagaytay City. A unique farm with a resort atmosphere.) |
(My daughter Kaycee (at the middle) a Grade 4 pupil with her best buddies wearing their gorgeous smiles.) |
(Kaycee while feeding a camel at Paradizoo, the animals were behaved and trained.) |
(Batch 2011 of CST, Grade 6-Self Control B, with their ever patient, petite, and pretty adviser, Ms. Cristina Gines, at Paradizoo. Truly it takes a good teacher like her to lead a class in activities like these so students will stay disciplined throughout the trip.) |
(The CST students ready to taste the free delicious donuts.) |
(Still sleepy Kaycee, with her is the school's ever supportive and gorgeous Principal, Mrs. Eva Reyes.) |
(One of the best attractions at Enchanted Kingdom this season is the giant sparkling Christmas Tree.) |
(Outside E.K. while waiting for their ticket, these students graciously posed in excitement.) |
(Truly a very relaxing time when you're surrounded with children and friends.) |
Undoubtedly, field trips are not just fun learning experiences outside the four walls of the classrooms. Aside from teaching new information via multi-sensory means, are ways to teach school children about safety, independence and looking out for each other. So, take time outside your home to enrich your child's education. No matter what you are learning, there is always a reason to take a school field trip!
To CST, good job guys! Looking forward to next year’ s field trip with a blast!
To CST, good job guys! Looking forward to next year’ s field trip with a blast!