Field trips for Preschoolers?? Aren't they too young to be going on a field trip outside of the school?

Question

I saw on my son's list of things to bring on his first day of preschool, and one of those things were $5 for a school shirt to be worn when they go on field trips. Aren't these children too young to be doing this? This is our only son, and with preschool being the 'first' place we have ever left our son, I'm a little conerned. I mean, we haven't even left him with a babysitter, nor have we ever put him in a day care setting. So I'm a little unaware of what kind of field trips they provide for preschoolers. I don't want to keep my son from learning, but my fear is that my son will somehow get lost, or kidnapped, or hurt being off school grounds. I know I must sound like a paranoid parent, but I'm truly concerned, and I need some advice from other parents with their children in preschool, or if there is a preschool teacher out there who can answer this and give me some positive feedback. I will ask my son's teacher about this come Monday morning, but....to B cont...

Answer 1

I am a teacher of three and four year olds who attend school during the regular school year.  In March, we go to the aquarium (45 minute drive on the bus) and in May we go to the zoo (35 min drive on the bus).  I understand your concerns as a first time parent of a preschooler.  You are not paranoid-you are being cautious.  I believe that if you trust your child with his teachers during school, they are trustworthy to go on a field trip.  I always take enough chaperones so there is one adult for every 2-3 students.  I use discretion when picking the chaperones and only take parents that I know I can trust-by March I know which ones they are.  I provide the chaperones with detailed instructions and expectations as well as my cell phone number in case of emergencies or questions.  When we are getting back on the bus to come home, I count my chaperones and students at least three times just to be sure everyone is there.  If you have concerns, speak to the teacher.  I am sure she will calm your fears.  And if for some reason you are still uneasy, volunteer to go with as a chaperone.  Good luck!

Answer 2

Go on the trip with your child, problem solved....

Answer 3

My step-daughter went to the zoo on a field trip from pre-school. The kids had lots of fun. I volunteered as a chaperon and that way we had time to spend together and bond. It was fun. There was a lot of teachers and parents (volunteering). The kids were under constant observation. Nothing happened, no one got lost and no one got hurt. If it makes you feel better contact his teacher and offer to volunteer. That way you get to go and make sure everything is ok :*)

Answer 4

Yeah... you do sound like a paranoid and over-protective parent.  Which is completely understandable, but...

Not a good habit to get into.  Everyone goes on fieldtrips in Preschool... When I was in preschool, we went to the park almost daily (city preschool, no playground, except some indoor stuff).  No one ever got lost or kidnapped.

You can't lock kids up until you feel they're ready... coz you'll never feel they're ready if you have that option.  They need to socialize, see the world, keep up with the other kids, etc... For my friends' siblings, my cousins, etc... I haven't known ONE preschooler who didn't go on field trips with their class, nor have I known one who got lost or badly hurt on a fieldtrip (a couple scrapped knees, yeah... but that's it).  Preschool is prely to learn social skills, as well as how to behave in public/around others, learn how to take direction, etc... keeping a kid from going on field trips and anything else "dangerous" wouldn't really help them in that respect, would it?

Everything has a slight danger to it.  That's undeniable.  But I think there's a greater danger to being over-protective for fear of said danger.  So many ways to harm them socially, developmentally, etc...  The *slight* risk of something happening is far better than the almost certain risk of them missing out on a lot if they don't participate.

The key is to trust the preschool you take him to.  I'm sure you chose it above others for a reason... just remember what that reason is.  However, I'd definitely ask them where they go, for how long, how many adults are supervising, etc...  Honestly, the t-shirt thing is a good start (I'm assuming it's so they can quickly and easily recognize the kids).  Offering to go along, as others have mentioned, is an excellent idea, too.

Answer 5

I used to own pre school centres, field trips are great adventures for children.  Zoos, beachs, streams, stimulate lots of art and question for weeks afterwards.  If your concerned check the centres policy on trips, make sure the children to staff ratio is good.  I'm sure they will ask for parent help, go along.  Enjoy.

Answer 6

Hi.  I understand your concern as a parent. So, just as one of the other answerers suggested, it might ease your mind if you volunteer to help chaperone.  Teachers can always use the support, extra help, and parental involvement.  This may also put your son at ease, so that he can get more out of the experience.

I don't think preschoolers are too young for field trips.  A major part of any child's education takes place outside the classroom, out in the community, especially if the teachers or community educators do a good job explaining or discussing the experience or key concepts along the way; and if they make this a safe, fun, and educational experience for all.  You might help and have fun by videotaping or recording the experience.  A follow-up discussion with your son afterward might also be a good idea, not to test him or anything, but to help him get the most out of the field trip and to share with each other both of your takes on the experience.  This is especially important if the children did not get to interact or communicate much during the field trip.

A  field trip will broaden your son's horizons and give him an opportunity to learn on every possible level.  It will help him broaden his knowledge base, communication skills, affective skills, and people skills.

Hope this helps.

Answer 7

There field trips can be anything visiting a pumpkin patch for Halloween, going to the zoo, going to the park, Preschool teacher are doing a lot to get children out and active during the day going to the library anything.

The shirts are to help keep groups together during field trips, for the teacher and the children, if by chance they do get separated they are easier to locate.

Children are never to young to go on a field trip and be properly supervised, if that's an issue for you. Volunteer on the first one to see how they handle things.

But no matter what you can always request that your child not go on the field trips

Answer 8

I have been a preschool teacher for many years, and I am also a mom and grandmother, so I understand your concerns.  In my experience, preschool field trips are a tremendous experience for the children.  You would feel so much better if you volunteer some time in your child's classroom.  Watch how the teachers keep track of the children and what they are doing.  You would be amazed how good they are at it!    When it comes time for a field trip, most preschools invite parent volunteers, and each parent is responsible for their child alone.  Your child would never be attended by some other parent without a teacher present.  Volunteer for the field trips.  You will enjoy them, and it will be quality time spent with your child.  And you will feel so much more comfortable about your child's whole preschool experience.

Answer 9

If you have a real concern, be a voluteer chaparone for the field trips.  Take a vacation day from work.  We took the preschoolers to the pumpkin farm one year and they had a ball with the picnic lunch, getting to go on a hay ride, and play with the animals in the petting zoo.  One of the advantages of going is getting some great pictures of your child as well as others that you can print and share with the other parents.

Answer 10

My opinion- Hes too young to go on field trips.