Make Every Field Trip Memorable: What Educational Field Trip Ideas Should Special Education Teachers Need to Know?
When you’re a special education teacher, each day brings new challenges and new opportunities to help your students succeed. If you’re a special education teacher, you know that field trips can be both a wonderful and daunting experience.
On one hand, they offer a unique opportunity to learn outside the classroom and Bond with your students in a different setting. On the other hand, they require meticulous planning and preparation to ensure the safety and well-being of all your special needs children on the field-trip.
One of the most rewarding experiences you can offer your students is a field trip. These excursions provide a chance for your students to explore the world beyond the classroom and experience hands-on learning.
However, field trips can also be a lot of work, especially if you’re responsible for students with special needs. In addition, to think of educational field trip ideas and chaperoning, you also have to make sure you have the right supplies on hand to support your students.
To help make your next field trip a success, we’ve put together a list of essential field trip supplies every special education teacher needs. From first-aid kits to behavior management tools, these items will help you keep your students safe and engaged while they explore the world around them!
In addition, you can learn these kinds of varieties of exciting teaching techniques with our recommended Master of Arts in Education with Special Education course as well. Now, let’s get to know some amazing educational field trip ideas which make you fully prepared for the trip as an educator.
- Carry a Backpack or Bag:
When it comes to hands-on learning, having the right supplies can make all the difference. That's why it’s important to have a roomy backpack or bag to carry all the items you need or might need during your field trip.
Depending on the type of trip, you will want to pack essentials like your notebook, planner, snacks, and extra clothing in case of inclement weather. Be sure to also pack a first aid kit and any other items you will need to manage any behaviour issues that arise.
- Snacks and Drinks:
You never know when hunger will strike, so it’s always a good idea to bring along some snacks, drinks, and water for all of your students. Healthy options like Multi-grain bars, healthy snacks, fresh fruit, and juice boxes are good choices that won’t weigh down your bag and will keep your students energized throughout the day. If you are going on a long field trip, it's a good idea to pack a few extra snacks just in case.
- First-Aid Kit:
Accidents are a fact of life, and while you are with your special needs children on the field-trip, you want to be prepared in case any of your students get hurt on the journey. That’s why it’s important to pack a first-aid kit that’s stocked with basic items like bandages, band-aids, gauze, antiseptic wipes, scissors, and tweezers. Be sure to also include any specialty supplies you might need, such as an EpiPen or medication for a particular student.
- Bring a Map:
When you’re on a field trip off campus, bringing a map of the area can be a lifesaver and one of the most essential educational field trip ideas. Not only can it be used to get a better understanding of the layout of the area, but it can also be used to keep track of your student’s whereabouts in case anyone gets lost. Before your trip, be sure to print out a map of the area, highlight any points of interest, and identify any landmarks or important streets.
- Pack a Notebook and Pen:
Whether you’re writing down observations or making a plan for the day, it’s always a good idea to bring along a notebook and pen. Aside from keeping track of student behaviour, a notebook can also be used to write down any ideas that come up during the field trip. Be sure to designate a page or section of the notebook just for the field trip, and make sure all of your staff members know where to find it.
- A whistle:
A whistle can be an invaluable tool for keeping track of your students during a field trip. Especially for special education teachers, a whistle can be an easy way to get the attention of students who might wander off or get too excited while you are with your special needs children on the field-trip.
Whistles can also be used as a signal for when it’s time to get back on the bus or boat, or to move from one activity to another. Whistles are fairly inexpensive and easy to carry, so they make a great addition to any teacher’s field trip supplies.
- Fidget Toys:
Special ed students often have difficulty concentrating or staying focused, so it can be helpful to bring along some fidgets or other distractions to keep them engaged in their activities.
Fidget toys are small items that students can play with, such as squishy balls or spinners, which can help to keep their hands busy and enable them to concentrate better on the task at hand. These toys are fairly inexpensive and can be a great way to help keep your students focused during a field trip.
- A Set of Backup Clothes:
It’s one of the good educational field trip ideas, is to bring along a set of backup clothes for each student, in case they get wet or dirty while they’re out on a field trip. Special education students may be less able to handle situations like this, so it’s important to be prepared in case something unexpected happens. Pack a few extra shirts, pants, and socks so you’ll be able to make sure your students stay comfortable, no matter what the situation.
- Camera:
A camera can be a great way to document your field trips, and even to provide evidence in case of any misbehavior. Plus, it’s always nice to have pictures of the trips so your students can look back on them. If you don’t have a camera, a smartphone can work just as well.
- Restroom Information:
For young students, it’s important to provide restroom information before the field trip, so they know where they can find a facility. However, if that’s not possible, or if your trip features frequent stops, then it’s also important to have a plan for bathroom breaks when nature calls. Be sure to designate a spot near your group that’s age-appropriate and can be monitored while the students go to the restroom.
- Emergency Contact Information:
It’s essential to have all the information you may need in case of an emergency. This includes a list of contact information for each student’s parent or guardian, as well as the student's medical history, any allergies and medications, and what type of behavior to look out for. It’s also important to know the contact information for the school and the nearest hospital, in case of an emergency.
- Teacher Essentials:
Lastly, don’t forget to pack all the items you'll need to manage your own needs. Depending on the type of trip you’re going on, this could range from a sweater and comfortable shoes to sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses.
Also, don’t forget to bring a phone charger in case your battery dies and you need to be in contact with your students. Whatever you bring, make sure it’s comfortable, as you’ll be on your feet most of the day.
To End With
With the right educational field trip ideas & right supplies, you can make sure that when you’re travelling with special needs children on the field-trip is safe and engaged and have an educational and memorable field trip. Remember, it takes planning and preparation to ensure the success of your trip, and the supplies listed in this article are the perfect way to get started. So, get packed, plan ahead, and enjoy a safe, educational, and fun-filled field trip with your special ed students!
In addition, if you’re an experienced SEN teacher and want to upgrade your teaching skill and knowledge to understand the need better of special needs students then we do recommend our Master of Arts in Education with Special Education course which will definitely help you to fulfill your purpose.