Field Trippin'

One last field trip before we journey into the lazy days of summer... 

We took our learning on the road for a day and became one with some other wild animals.  Hey, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em...right?

Our annual trek to the Zoo is an absolute whirlwind of animalness!  This trip takes us on an hour long bus ride with one mission ~ Don't lose anyone!  Bring learning to life for our little friends. 

Fortunately, we had a little help keeping an eye on everyone.

We got to watch the penguin feeding above ground and the kids were excited. But, when we took them downstairs to see them literally playing on the glass, they flipped out!  Sometimes the best things happen accidentally.  They asked if we hired them to perform for our class.  We took all the credit, of course.    

Wasn't really sure if this guy was cool or just weird...Honestly, but had to share... Let's just say we're glad he lives at the Zoo, but  if we ever want to change up our classroom management approach he might come in handy.  Especially around this time of year... HA!


Our favorite part is seeing how many kids fall asleep on the bus ride home.  It's always the ones you would least expect and they just c.r.a.s.h.  Last year, we had a Dad fall asleep too.  That was a funny picture...

The only problem with our day is the time before the bus arrives and the time after they drop us off. Everyone is bouncing out of their cages to go, and once we've reviewed bus rules, used the bathrooms, and assigned groups, there is not enough time to do much but we need them to do something before the ever so slow bus arrives.  When we return, everyone is absolutely exhausted, but we still have time in our day and no nap mats in sight...so, we work. A little.

To fill the bits of unstructured time we have before and after our trip, we came up with this Field Trip Record.  It was a perfect time filler before the bus pulled up, and it was a good way to wrap up our day.  It was quick and easy, even for those slow as molasses friends. 

  We let them draw or write (or both).  

This friend was really anticipating a fun day...

He wonders if he will get to slide down the big grass hill. Nope.  

He also thinks he will feed the giraffes. Nope.  

Gosh, we do hope he still had a great time too.

I guess we should have prefaced that we weren't actually going to a petting zoo or feeding animals...But, we can confirm that they do have a giraffe. He did see one. And thank goodness he will always remember the animals.  At.the.zoo. Hmmm... 

Now this one is just either completely honest, or has absolutely ZERO faith in their teacher!  

"I think I will get lost."  

Really?!?!  

Oh, be still our hearts...

You think we would lose you?!?

 

Or, maybe they just know their limits...

They're a wanderer...They get lost...It happens. Right?

Yes, let's go with that scenario... 

It makes us sound way better.  :)

At least he will always remember, "Staying together".  Phew!  

This was a great lil' time filler and didn't make us feel like zoo keepers whilst awaiting the bus or bell. 

We realize not everyone ventures to the zoo, so we made a generic worksheet that can go along with any 'ol field trip to share with you.   

Click {here} to snag a free copy for yourself.

Enjoy!