Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/coaching-community-hosts-the-other-side-of-the-field-trip/5013948/
Early childhood educators are usually very organized when it comes to arranging field trips . . . we understand that the trip must be developmentally appropriate, meaningful to the children, and that the tour/visit must be physically safe for them. We often know just who to phone and what to say in order to set up the trip.But what is happening at the other end of the school/community collaboration? Although our hosts are usually eager to have children visit and have a great deal of expertise in their own field, they are not usually early childhood educators and may never have spoken or toured with children this young. This sometimes becomes evident in the way the children are shown through a facility . . . no opportunity for hands-on exploration or too much talk - often at a level above the children's understanding. This can be frustrating for all parties involved: frustrating for teachers who were hoping for a more meaningful experience; for the children who are sometimes bored or fidgety; and for the host who is really trying hard to make this a success. How can we assist community partners in setting up their part of the field trip? Is ...