Something that they will write you letters about years later?
Then take your students somewhere they have never been!
I have taken 4th grade groups for over 16 years to Sacramento, CA. from San Diego. We fly up, visit the Capitol, Sutter's Fort, RR Museum, Old School House and have free time. We have a great dinner and stay at a nice hotel. Day 2 we head out to the mountains for experiencing real gold mines and panning for gold in the same place that history was made in California. We fly home that night.
I have to do this trip during Spring Break due to my district regulations. These are a few of my tips:
1. Use a travel company to make the travel arrangements. I work with Travel Teens and wouldn't do the trip without them.
2. Don't take on fundraising, let the parents do that if that is what they choose.
3. The trip is expensive so not everyone will go. I plan a school trip for everyone so they don't feel left out.
4. Charge a bit extra to either fund a student or supplement your classroom materials. I don't get paid to go on Spring Break so the class room supply money really helps buy ink, books, and lots of other supplies not provided by my school.
5. Just do it! Each year gets better and better.
You are brave! About how many students go each year? Do you have other chaperones ? What a great experience for your students!
ReplyDeleteThanks! This year was about 31 students and 22 adults. Most years there are less adults. You need at least 1 adult for 7 kids minimum. My prefernce is to have one adult in each hotel room. The parents really enjoy the trip and often go with all their children. This year I had a parent who was on his 4th trip. My trip is limited to 54 and it's first come first served. I do take any 4th grader from my school so they have to have their teacher's approval. If there is a issue then they need to have a parent go with them or a chaparone who has agreed to monitor them. Teachers go free with a minumum of 35 passengers. My travel company has a guide that does all the leading once we get to Sacramento. Feel free to contact me if you want to give it try and need advice.
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