Top School Trips -Issue 6

H ave you ever been on a fantastic school trip where the kids are buzzing, everyone learnt lots... and then the next day when you come to talk about it no one can remember anything? Or worse, their highlight was their lunch, with everything else forgotten? I know the scenario all too well. I remember a particular trip I took my class on: I spent ages looking for the perfect destination, did my pre-visit and knew exactly how I wanted the day to go. I spent a lifetime getting permission slips back (that deserves a whole article of its own!) and finally we were ready to go. The trip itself was lovely, albeit a bit stressful (anyone who manages children and parents outside of school deserves a medal). The children learnt loads, had a great time and we all got back in one piece. But the next day it was like we’d never been; the excitement of the trip had vanished, never to return, and I felt utterly deflated. I spent hours creating resources for my class to work with after the trip, trying to keep the magic alive. I thought then, ‘Surely there must be an easier way?’ Stretching the benefits The benefits of a school trip are so much wider than the study topic itself. Being outside in a natural environment, in fresh air, is so beneficial for all our health, both physically and mentally. Taking part in real hands-on activities is great for encouraging problem solving, communication and building friendships. We all also know children who struggle with day-to-day learning, bouncing off the walls while you scramble to find ways to inspire and engage them. For them, trips are even more important. What would be great for these children is to stretch out the positive effects of the trip, keep their engagement and honouring their needs. So what’s out there? As teachers, we want the best for our children and to make the most out of every learning opportunity. What I would have loved were some resources my kids could have used back in the classroom: something to keep the excitement alive but also revisit the learning. And something I didn’t have to spend hours trying to create myself. I remember how time-consuming planning is and how a great trip is a satisfying reward for all the hard work. That’s where the learning resources available at various trip venues come in. If you’re not tapping into them already, they could be a great source of support. Utilise resources Of course, after a trip teachers (and children) need resources with relevant learning outcomes... but also materials that excite and inspire them to continue that learning. At Forestry England we’ve been working on just that. Visits to the nation’s forests are a popular choice; a guided or self-guided trip is a great way to reap all the benefits of being in nature, but we also know the value of free, downloadable resources. Our resources for primary-aged pupils are linked to some of our most popular activities, such as our Superworm trail, and can be downloaded and used back in the classroom to harness that excitement post trip. We’ve also worked up separate lesson plans and activity sheets linking to the curriculum that can be used in any outdoor space. Or if you can’t get outside, HOME Wish you could bottle that school trip excitement? Grab available learning resources with both hands, and you’ll keep the magic alive, says Jodie Greene “I felt utterly deflated, and I spent hours creating resources for my class to work with after the trip, trying to keep the magic alive” Bringing it 60 | www.teachwire.net/school-trips