TIPS ON EXPLORING THE OUTDOORS WITH YOUR STUDENTS

Expect to work out a few rough spots during your initial outings. Generally, as you continue to take your class outside, you will have a better idea about what to expect and your students will become more relaxed and easier to manage.

  1. Be enthusiastic, eager, and interested (most important!).
  2. Let your principal know when and where you will be taking your class.
  3. Role play with your students before going out. (If "x" happens, what will you do?)
  4. Ask your students questions, questions, and more questions to stimulate their curiosity. Encourage them to ask questions, too.
  5. Make the boundaries for each activity very clear (flagging is helpful!).
  6. Give every student a job description.
  7. Divide students into small teams.
  8. Make sure they know the rules.
  9. Send students to the restroom before going out.
  10. Encourage parents to be chaperones. You can distribute a letter at the beginning of the school year to let parents know you plan on taking several field trips to explore native habitats.
  11. Enlist volunteers and give them specific duties on the day of the field trip. (Student nametags are very useful to helpers.)
  12. Have all your materials organized and ready to use.
  13. Have extras of everything!
  14. Explain the activity, review worksheets, and demonstrate techniques before you go out. Wait to hand out supplies and equipment once you get to the site, if possible. Use student helpers to carry supplies.
  15. Save your voice and use a whistle to round everyone up at the end of the activity (or at the end of a timed section).
  16. DON'T plan an activity right before lunch!
  17. Have students dress appropriately-hats, long pants if in thick scrub, no sandals.
  18. Know which students are allergic to insect stings and plan what you will do if a student gets stung.
  19. Avoid hot afternoons.
  20. Encourage scrub etiquette. (For example: When walking in a line through scrub, hold any branches that overhang the trail so the person behind you doesn't get slapped in the face, warn the person behind you of cactus, holes in the ground, or thorny vines, etc.)
  21. Don't expect perfection. Consider your first attempt a trial. Usually, the more you go out, the better it gets.

If you visit a scrub site away from school grounds:
  1. Make sure you reserve the bus well in advance and send permission slips out to parents with plenty of time to spare. Fully explain to parents what students will be doing during the field trip.
  2. Have a structured activity to keep students focused and involved while travelling to your site. Discuss your observations during the ride or walk back.
  3. Make sure you take water.
  4. Carry a cell phone or radio.
  5. Know where the bathrooms are (or go before you leave!)
  6. Take a well-stocked first aid kit.