Organizing a school trip: the checklist for a stress-free day

Organising a school trip requires some preparation, but it shouldn't become a headache.

Transport, permits, escorts, weather, meals, activities… several small details simply need to be sorted out in the right order.

Here is a practical checklist to organize a school trip more easily and fully enjoy the day with the students.

1. Choose an outing suitable for the students' age

First and foremost, ask yourself what the children will actually be able to do there.

A good field trip should allow students to participate actively rather than simply observe.

Depending on their age, look for experiences like:

• meet animals;

• handling equipment;

• explore nature;

• participate in an artistic activity;

• move and discover;

• ask questions;

• eat on site with the group.

For younger children, opt for simple instructions and relatively short activities.

2. Confirm the number of participants

Determine quickly:

• the number of students;

• the number of teachers;

• the number of accompanying persons;

• the specific needs of the group.

This information allows the place you are visiting to better prepare for your arrival.

For large groups, also ask if the activities can be done in rotation.

3. Ensure sufficient escorts

The guides can make a big difference during an outing.

They allow you to:

• create small groups;

• to facilitate travel;

• help during meals;

• to accompany certain students;

• supporting children during an activity;

• help to follow the instructions.

Before departure, clearly explain the role of each adult.

You can even assign them a small group of students from the start of the day.

4. Form the groups before leaving

If several activities are planned, prepare the teams in advance.

For example :

Red group Blue group Green group

Each child thus knows immediately which group they belong to.

This makes rotations much easier once you're there.

A very effective formula is to have one group experience an activity while the other discovers a second one, then to switch.

5. Check the weather and clothing

An outdoor outing can be very pleasant even when the temperature isn't perfect.

The most important thing is to be well dressed.

In the message sent to families, remember to specify according to the season:

• closed shoes or boots;

• clothing that can get dirty;

• coat;

• hat or cap;

• sun protection;

• rainwear;

• bottle of water.

On the farm, a little bit of soil is naturally part of the experience.

6. Prepare dinner and snacks

Check in advance if the venue has:

• tables;

• a covered space;

• a place for lunch bags;

• a space that can accommodate the whole group.

Also ask if the children should bring a cold lunch.

Clearly label lunch boxes and water bottles before departure.

This saves a lot of searching at dinnertime.

7. Check for allergies and special needs

Before leaving, gather important information regarding:

• allergies;

• medication;

• mobility;

• hypersensitivities;

• special needs;

• significant fear of certain animals or situations.

This information allows us to adapt the support provided and prevent certain difficulties during the day.

8. Explain some rules before departure

Instructions are much easier to understand when they are explained in class before the outing.

For example :

• stay with your group;

• listen to responsible adults;

• walk in the designated areas;

• approach the animals calmly;

• wait your turn;

• respect the facilities;

• wash your hands when asked.

This way, the children know exactly what will be expected of them.

9. Prepare some questions before the visit

An outing becomes even more interesting when the students arrive with things to observe.

Prepare a few questions together:

• What animal would you like to see?

• What do you think he eats?

• Which animal will be the largest?

• What texture would you like to touch?

• What would you like to learn?

• What animal would you like to draw after the visit?

You will be able to review the same questions when you return to class.

10. Do not fill in every minute

A school trip doesn't need to be planned down to the minute.

Children also need time to:

• observe;

• discuss;

• eat;

• to walk;

• ask questions;

• simply enjoy the place.

A schedule that's too busy can quickly make the day more stressful.

Allow some leeway between activities.

Simple example of a schedule

10 a.m. — Arrival and instructions

10:15 a.m. — Group A: Animals / Group B: Creative Activity

11:15 a.m. — Group rotation

12:15 PM — Dinner

12:45 PM — Exploration time and return to the bus

The schedule can obviously be adapted according to the age and size of the group.

After the exit:

to exploit what the students have experienced

A field trip can become the starting point for several classroom activities.

Students can:

• write about their favorite moment;

• draw an animal;

• to present something they have learned;

• compare two animals;

• create a poster;

• look at the photos taken during the day;

• to pursue an artistic activity.

Learning often becomes easier to retain when it is associated with a lived experience.

Organize a school trip to the Eco Farm in the Fields

At Ferme Éco des Champs in Aylmer, we welcome school groups, CPEs and daycares.

Children can explore the farm, meet and feed the animals and enjoy a space for dinner depending on the package chosen.

It is also possible to add a ceramic painting activity in our workshop bus.

The bus can accommodate up to 15 children at a time. For larger classes, students can be divided into teams and alternate between pottery and exploring the farm.

A practical formula to allow each group to fully enjoy their activity.

PLANNING A SCHOOL TRIP