Last month, he traveled with his Confirmation class to Washington, D.C., where he and his classmates learned about the lobbying process and made presentations to House and Senate staffers on various issues that they had studied and discussed. Then, he traveled with the high-school band and choir to perform at Walt Disney World.
He had to miss his regular classes for both of these trips, and had schoolwork to make up when he returned home, but I think the trips were worth it. Not all learning happens in the classroom.
On both trips, Billy stayed with classmates and got to know them better. They had to share tight quarters and learn to get along. They also had work together to make their presentations and to perform, even after they were tired from traveling. He had to be responsible for budgeting his money for meals, making sure he had his hotel key, and packing and unpacking his belongings. Sounds like conditions and situations that many people deal with at college or in the workplace, right?
On both trips, there was a mix of fun and serious activities. In Washington, Billy was most excited about being in the Supreme Court building. In Disney, he, of course, enjoyed the rides, but also was able to take a leadership role among his peers. Since our station is owned by Disney, we get discounts and freebies when vacationing there, so all of my boys have been lucky enough to visit several times. He was a great tour guide – knowing just which rides to "Fast-Pass" and where everything was.
I know that not all schools are fortunate enough to offer students such opportunities, and not everyone can afford them, but even a class trip to the zoo, a children's theater, an orchestra performance, or even another school for a sports event, can be a great learning experience.
As parents, we can reinforce the value of such trips by discussing them with our children ahead of time, giving them an idea of what they can expect and what will be expected of them. How does one behave at a theater performance? What are some animals they might see at the zoo? How can they display good sportsmanship at a competition?
The discussions should continue after the event. What did they see, or learn? What did they enjoy the most or the least? All of these talks will reinforce the lessons learned outside the classroom and it may turn out that the memories created by these "special events" will be longer-lasting than information crammed for a particular test.
You don't have to wait for your child's school to arrange a field trip. There are plenty of free events and attractions for kids, where you can organize a small group of your child's friends or acquaintances and spend a day out yourself. This is an especially great thing to do on an in-service day or school holiday.
To get your started on a day of outside-the-classroom learning for your child, check out the Free events listed on the Philly Fun Guide or these ideas from Parents Connect.
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