We all know field trips are an important part of any homeschool curriculum. But that doesn’t mean to say they have to be extravagant affairs with hours on the road to historical sites. Oh no! Field trips can be as simple as taking your child to everyday places and turning it into a learning experience.
Going to the supermarket? A learning experience! A walk in the park? Another learning experience! Let’s explore some of the everyday places you might find an opportunity to teach…
1. Grocery Store
Let’s start with that weekly trip to the grocery store. There are so many opportunities lurking in the humble grocery store – here are some of our favorites…
Food Bingo: Compile a list of items for younger children to discover around the aisles of the grocery store and cross them off as you go around the store. This will help them discover new foods, and also invite further discussion about where the item comes from, how it grows or how it is made. Click here to download a free food bingo printable.
Compare Prices: Help develop critical math skills by having your child compare prices and deals for certain items. For example, “I can buy two 28oz jars of peanut butter for $5 or one 64oz jar for $6.33 – what is the better deal?”
Scavenger Hunt: This one is a slightly older take on food bingo and a lot of fun for older elementary kids. Set a series of items for children to find as they go around the store – but make it a little more challenging such as finding certain items from other countries. Click here for a free download to get you started.
How much does it cost?: This one is great for the older kids. If your child has grasped the concept of addition with decimals, have them keep a running total of how much is in your shopping cart. Compare it with the total calculated at the cash register to see how close they got.
2. Local Parks and Gardens
The park is naturally a great place for children to go out and explore – and, of course, learn! Below are some of our tips for making the most of the free learning opportunities to be found in the park.
Draw What You See: This one is simple enough, but have your child sit down and draw a flower or a tree. It’s a great lesson of observation through art. You could always take it one step further and then have them label the parts of that plant or tree for a little science lesson!
Fall Leaf Bingo: During fall, take your child to the park for a little leaf identification adventure. This is a great activity to help them learn more about the different types of trees and the leaves they produce. Click here to download a free ‘Leaf Bingo’ printable.
Keep a Nature Journal: Take a walk around your local park and have your child document (through sketching and descriptive writing) the trees, leaves, bugs, birds and whatever else you encounter. If your child is uncertain of what something is, they can document it and continue their research at home. A great way to open your child’s eyes to the world around them!
3. Zoology Pet Store
The pet store is a great place to learn more about animals, their habitats and behaviors – it also happens to be a lot of fun for kids!
Find that animal: Simple enough, just list off descriptions of an animal and have your child go find it in the store. For example – has dry, scaly skin and a long tail… a lizard!
Keep a notebook: Have your child document the types of animals on display in the pet store. They can note their habitats, and list them into categories such as domestic mammals, reptiles and fish. For older children, it can be an opportunity to research their scientific names.
4. Transportation
If you live in an area where there is a subway system or bus service, it can be an opportunity to turn your travel into a little learning experience.
Navigation: Tell your child where you both will be traveling to, and ask them how you will get there. For example – what services or lines will you need to take? How long will it take to get there?
Simple Math: How much will it cost us to travel to and from our destination today?
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