Trips are the most exciting experiences of school life. Instead of being stuck in class you have the option to go out and see the topics you are studying live! However, just because you're not in the classroom doesn't mean you have the freedom to do whatever you want. If you want to have fun on an outing you have to behave yourself and prepare yourself with the right precautions, so that everything goes perfectly.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Having fun on the coach
Step 1. Offer travel games
If you don't have the ability to bring electronic devices to the outing, you can pass the time with travel games that don't require any tools. Depending on the game you will probably need at least one companion, but there are pastimes that everyone on the bus can participate in.
- A simple game is "20 questions". One person has to think about an object or character and the other players can ask up to 20 questions to try to find the answer.
- The "Wireless Phone" is a fun game for any coach. One person begins by whispering a sentence or two into another's ear, who then tries to do the same with a third, and so on. The last player says the sentence out loud, so that everyone can find out how close he has come to the original.
- If you are traveling on a motorway, you can play with the rest areas. All players choose a specific service station, such as Agip or Eni, and earn a point every time they recognize its logo on a road sign. Whoever has the most points at the end of the journey wins.
Step 2. Sing
Another fun way to pass the time involving the whole bus is to sing songs. You can start a song in turn, so that the music is always different. It can be interesting to choose a theme, for example songs about driving, Disney songs or songs that have "travel" in the title.
- It is usually best to choose current pop songs that everyone knows, so that no one feels left out.
- If you have a school song, you can start or end the game with that.
Step 3. Chat with friends
On a short bus trip you don't necessarily need a book or an electronic device to enjoy yourself. You can pass the time by talking to your friends and finding out the latest news about their lives. If you're not sitting next to classmates you already have a good relationship with, take the opportunity to get to know other people.
If you don't know what to talk about, you can discuss the tour and what you expect to see or do during the day
Step 4. Take something fun with you
If the destination of the trip is very far, the journey by bus will be long. In this case it's a good idea to bring something to pass the time, like your phone or tablet, which you can use to listen to music or play games. If you prefer, pack a book or magazines in your backpack that you can share with friends.
Be sure to ask the teacher before the trip if you are allowed to bring your phone, tablet or other electronic devices. Don't risk relying on electronic aids alone to have fun, only to have them confiscated
Part 2 of 3: Prepare for the Journey
Step 1. Take care of the preparations
In some cases, your teacher may assign you some homework before the trip in preparation for the activities or exhibits you will attend. He may give you some material to read or ask you to do research on a specific topic. Make sure you have completed these assignments before the trip, so that you are ready to receive any information that will be imparted to you.
If you don't understand something you read as part of your homework, ask your teacher for clarification. Don't risk being confused throughout the tour
Step 2. Think about what clothes to wear
To make sure you have fun on your trip, it is important to choose the right clothing. Your teacher may include advice or guidelines in the outing information material; in this case read them carefully. In other situations the students must all wear a shirt of the same color, so that it is easier to control the movements of the children.
- There is often a lot of walking on trips, so be sure to wear comfortable footwear, such as trainers or tennis shoes.
- If the trip is outdoors, consider the climate when choosing clothing. Wear a raincoat and boots in the rain, or a warm jacket and coat when it's cold. In the heat, shorts and a T-shirt will help you stay cool.
- If the place to visit is indoors, you don't have to worry about the weather. However, bring a light sweater with you so that you won't feel cold if the air conditioning is very strong.
- On some trips you will need to wear formal attire. For example, if you are attending a play or symphony concert, jeans and sneakers are not appropriate clothing. Ask your teacher for advice if you don't know what to wear.
Step 3. Pack the items you will need
Depending on the destination of the tour, you will need to bring some accessories. Your teacher should give you the list of things to have with you, so read it carefully. In general, don't forget a pen and paper to take notes.
- Make sure you have all the medical devices you need, such as medications, inhalers or Epipen, available in case of an emergency.
- Bring some cash with you so you can buy travel souvenirs, sodas or snacks.
- If you are going to be outdoors all day, remember the sunscreen and put it on as often as needed.
Step 4. Think about lunch
On most trips you will not go home for a full day, so you will probably eat at the place you are going to. Some establishments have canteens or bars where you can buy food, while others don't. Your teacher should inform you about the expected lunch situation, so you can decide whether to eat a packed lunch or bring some money to buy something.
- If you have to take your lunch away and the weather is hot you can use a cooler bag so the food doesn't spoil.
- Bring a bottle of water, juice, or your favorite beverage with you so that you stay hydrated throughout the journey.
Part 3 of 3: How to Behave while Traveling
Step 1. Follow the rules
The most important thing you can do to make sure you have fun on a trip is to follow the rules. Don't risk being scolded or banned from activities for your misbehavior, as you will miss out on fun and interesting events. Your teacher will probably explain the rules of conduct to everyone before departure, but also make sure you listen to directions from the staff of the place you are visiting, such as the museum guide.
- Remember that when you are on a field trip you are representing the whole school, so it is important to behave well and not tarnish their reputation.
- If you and other students break rules or are unruly in some other way, your school may no longer be invited to that place and your class may be punished for not participating in future field trips.
- If you don't understand the rules, don't be afraid to ask questions. Don't risk breaking a rule inadvertently because you didn't quite understand what was forbidden to do.
Step 2. Pay attention
Before reaching the goal, your teacher will probably give you some information on the subject that you will go to deepen. Usually in the place you visit the lesson will come to life in a fun and interesting way, as it could not happen in the classroom; for this reason it is important to pay attention to the activities and presentations, in order to absorb all the information.
- Being out of school is always exciting, but you shouldn't take the opportunity just to talk to your friends. The trip is for educational purposes, even if you are not in the classroom.
- If your friends have a habit of distracting you, it's a good idea to explain to them that you really want to pay attention to the things you see. You can say, "I really enjoy talking to you, but we can do it at lunch. I really want to be careful today."
Step 3. Keep an open mind
Once you have discovered the destination of the trip, you may have gotten the idea that it will be a boring experience, because it is a place linked to a lesson you followed in class. However, you should approach the journey without prejudice, because receiving a lesson in real life is often much more interesting than reading a book or listening to the teacher's words. Be prepared to welcome all the experiences you will have on a trip, so that you can make the most of it.
- For example, if you have read a work by Pirandello in class and are about to go to a play, you may think that you will be bored, because you did not like it. However, a live performance often manages to bring the story and characters to life in a much more powerful way, so you might like it.
- If the trip takes place in a place you've already visited, for example the zoo, and you feel like you've already seen everything the place has to offer, try considering the trip from a new perspective. Don't just study animals - think about what it would be like to become a zoologist or a veterinarian, so you can have a new experience.
Step 4. Check out the questionnaires
Your teacher may give you questionnaires to complete after the field trip. You don't have to complete them while traveling, but it can be useful to read them right away. This way you will know what to watch out for on the trip and will be able to get the most out of the experience.
If your teacher hasn't given you a questionnaire, they may still assign you other tasks after the field trip, such as a relationship. Bring a small notebook or notepad with you so you can take notes
Step 5. Find a friend to be your travel companion
When you visit a place you don't know, it can happen that you get lost. If you partner with a friend, however, you can help each other. You will notice when he walks away and he will do the same with you. This way you can lend a hand in case of need and knowing that you have the responsibility of another person can push you to pay more attention to your surroundings.
If you don't have a good friend on a field trip, look for someone in a similar situation to yours and pair up with them
Advice
- Make sure you listen to the teacher, the staff of the place you are visiting and all the carers as well.
- Don't be afraid to ask questions. You'll likely have a chance to talk to experts on a topic, so use the opportunity to learn more.
- Ask if you can take pictures. It's fun to have images that are reminiscent of the experience.
- Make a note of the bus number. This way, if you were to be separated from the rest of the group, you could return to the vehicle alone and wait for your companions.
Warnings
- Always stay with your group. Don't risk getting lost in a place you don't know.
- Carry only the items granted or you risk that others will be confiscated. If in doubt, ask the teacher.
- Avoid getting too confused on the bus. You could distract the driver and endanger the whole class.
