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Educational travel is such an important and rewarding opportunity. Thank you to those of you who lead, and welcome to those of you considering!
First, I want to preface this by saying I worked in the educational travel industry for 6 years prior to becoming a classroom teacher several years ago. I don't claim to be an expert but I have a u...See MoreEducational travel is such an important and rewarding opportunity. Thank you to those of you who lead, and welcome to those of you considering!
First, I want to preface this by saying I worked in the educational travel industry for 6 years prior to becoming a classroom teacher several years ago. I don't claim to be an expert but I have a unique perspective: I planned trips for over 500 school groups and have travelled to more than 30 countries. I am also now planning my second tour as a group leader.
I have just a few tips as a fellow group leader:
1. Be Flexible, both in the planning phase and on tour. Things come up, especially with large groups of people, hotels, restaurants, planes, buses, etc.
2. Keep an Open Mind. If you expect everything to be like it is at home, stay home. The point is to experience something different (note: expect old hotels with small rooms outside the city center and no 'American-sized' portions at meals). * #'s 1 and 2 are critical, especially in front of students.
3. You get what your students' parents pay for. I personally recommend going with a smaller, affordable travel company - you will see all the same sites and your group will get the most bang for their buck.
"The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." - St. Augustine
by Noelle/Sacramento
Jul 19, 2009
Hi! I'm going to be teaching the 4th grade in the Sacramento area and I know there are supposed to be some great fieldtrips for this. Are there any living history experiences where the kids can pan for gold? I'm looking forward to advice from those who've experienced this! THANKS :)
by Sunnie Templeton
Aug 7, 2009
Hi...My name is Sunnie Templeton and I have been a Personal Tour Coordinator for Class Act Tours, an Educational Tour Company, for the past 20 years! I understand all too well your disappointed experience on your last class trip to Washington DC, where the students were not as prepared as you had hoped. At Class Act Tours, we provide teachers prior...See MoreHi...My name is Sunnie Templeton and I have been a Personal Tour Coordinator for Class Act Tours, an Educational Tour Company, for the past 20 years! I understand all too well your disappointed experience on your last class trip to Washington DC, where the students were not as prepared as you had hoped. At Class Act Tours, we provide teachers prior to the trip, fun and engaging assignments to ensure the students understand the many opportunities and experiences Washington DC has to offer. We also provide each student with a Personal Scavenger Hunt which lasts the duration of the trip, along with many educational scavenger hunts to be used at individual museums,etc. And yes, we also provide a "National Treasure" scavenger hunt upon request!! The students are also provided a fun pocket "work book" and inspirational diary to provoke meaningful thoughts and questions. We work hard to make our Washington DC Trips interesting, interactive and fun, while at the same time incredibly educational!! We truly feel that when a child visits Washington DC for the first time, their lives are changed forever.......We feel privileged to be part of this process with YOU! Please do not hesitate to contact me if you are ready to coordinate your 2010 Spring Trip! I'll be happy to assist you with a no obgligation quote to demonstrate how reasonable our prices are. Class Act Tours maintains affordable trips so that every child who wants to attend, the cost will not put a financial burden on the parents!! Looking forward to hearing from you and any other teachers who may want to arrange an affordable and exciting Washington DC or Colonial Williamsburg Student Trip for 2010!
Sunnie Templeton Class Act Tours 678 881-0855-Atlanta Office 202 772-4292-Washington DC Office [link removed].
by Jennifer Guhl
Aug 7, 2009
The Orlando Repertory Theatre is hosting their 2009-2010 Field Trip Show Specials.
Our 2009-2010 shows include: Charlotte’s Web Book by E.B.White, Adapted by Joseph Robinette The magical weavings of Charlotte the spider come to the aid of her newfound friend, Wilbur the pig, in E.B. White’s timeless story of friendship. Join Fern Arab...See MoreThe Orlando Repertory Theatre is hosting their 2009-2010 Field Trip Show Specials.
Our 2009-2010 shows include: Charlotte’s Web Book by E.B.White, Adapted by Joseph Robinette The magical weavings of Charlotte the spider come to the aid of her newfound friend, Wilbur the pig, in E.B. White’s timeless story of friendship. Join Fern Arable and all the animals of Zuckerman’s farm as they all marvel at “Some Pig.” Charlotte’s brave plan to save Wilbur’s life carries them, along with Templeton the rat, all the way to the county fair. It is at the fair that we discover the fate of Wilbur and Charlotte.
How I Became a Pirate A musical by Alyn Cardarelli and Steve Goers Have you ever thought of becoming a pirate? Jeremy Jacobs has and he gets that chance when he is recruited by Captain Braid Beard for his exceptional digging skills, necessary for proper treasure-burying, of course! Jeremy thinks the pirate life is great, until he thinks of home and realizes that pirates do not get tucked in at night and do not play a good game of soccer. This musical adventure will send you home laughing and growling "Arrrrrr, Matey!"
Dear Santa By Norm Foster It is the time of year to peek into the magical and timeless world of the North Pole, bustling workshops, cheerful elves and the jolly old leader himself, Santa Claus. Santa's efficient, yet frenzied Chief of Staff, the ditzy housekeeper with a secret crush, the high-pressure sleigh salesman and the workshop foreman who does not quite command the English language all combine to keep the place running like clock work, with he exception of a few mishaps. Soon, a request from one child's letter throws everything off course and the answer lies in rediscovering the Christmas spirit.
The Giver Book by Lois Lowry, Adapted by Eric Cole Imagine a perfect world with no poverty, no crime, no sickness, no unemployment and no happiness. What would you trade to live in that idyllic society? Lois Lowry's Newbery Medal-winning book, The Giver, examines the idea that people might freely choose to give up their humanity in order to create a more stable civilization. In this compelling drama, 12-year-old Jonas learns just how costly this ordered and pain-free society can be and boldly decides he cannot pay the price. What's the Sideways Series? The Sideways Series showcases plays with new or lesser known titles that encourage dialogue between young people and adults. The REP works in collaboration with UCF Theatre for Young Audiences graduate program on this series. This production is recommended for ages 10 to adult.
Berenstain Bears On Stage: A Bear Country Musical Book and Lyrics by Stan and Jan Berenstain Music by Elliot Lawrence and Jamie Broza Join Papa, Mama, Brother, and Sister Bear as classic Berenstain Bears stories are presented and commented on by guitar-strumming Cowboy Joe, the world's foremost expert on the famous residents of Bear Country. Mama Bear is at her wit's end with the cubs' messy room and Papa Bear helps the cubs' understand that honesty is the best policy. Papa Bear learns of the dangers of bad influences like neighborhood bullies, and Sister Bear has the last laugh when dealing with stage fright in the school play. Take a stroll through Bear Country and you'll come out humming along the tune of life's gentle lessons.
Ramona Quimby By Len Jenkin From the novels of Beverly Cleary Before there was Junie B. Jones, there was Ramona Quimby! The Exasperating but lovable third-grader, sometimes known as Ramona the pest, is facing many issues that touch the lives of real families today. Ramona and her teacher do not see eye to eye, her Dad has lost his job, and her older sister Beezus gets on her nerves-Ramona's life seems a mess! But with the help of her patient family and friends, Ramona meets these challenges head on. Laugh and cheer as this classical heroine of children's literature jumps from the pages of Beverly Cleary's books to the stage.
Make your reservation before August 31st and receive $7 Tickets. This offer is exclusively for Charlotte's Web.
For every 10 tickets purchased, GET ONE FREE!
Tickets to daytime matinee performances are $9 for all children, teachers, and chaperones. If your school books four or more different shows at the same time, we offer a discounted rate of $8 per ticket.
How to make a reservation: Step 1: Choose a date and time you wish to attend. Remember to choose an alternate date in case your first choice is sold out. Step 2: Calculate the TOTAL number of seats you need for the performance (including all students, teachers, and chaperones). Step 3: Contact the Field Trip Manager, at [email removed]].
by Jessica Astor
Aug 15, 2009
I have a great company that offers good prices on overnight trips. I took 50 students Washington, DC and they had everything planned down to the tee.
by Carol K Keagle
Aug 16, 2009
I am interested in your list of grants and/or funding agencies for trips. 68% of our students live in poverty and any help is appreciated. C. Keagle
by Judy Gardner
Aug 19, 2009
What: Hand-on workshops for middle and high school groups When: Friday, March 5, 2010 Where: NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh NC More Info: send an e-mail to [email removed])
18 1-hour workshops to choose from; mmeet several SCOS science objectives
Learn more from conservation education experts about Wildlife Habitat, Soils and their...See MoreWhat: Hand-on workshops for middle and high school groups When: Friday, March 5, 2010 Where: NC State Fairgrounds, Raleigh NC More Info: send an e-mail to [email removed])
18 1-hour workshops to choose from; mmeet several SCOS science objectives
Learn more from conservation education experts about Wildlife Habitat, Soils and their connection to deer, quail, turkey and snakes; make a turkey call; build a first aid kit; bring home a portable composting kit.
Every workshop will offer a conservation challenge - an activity that can be done at home or as a classroom activity to extend learning.
We will do our best tailor workshops to meet specific needs if you call us soon.
The event is free; parking is free; goodie bags to the kids are free.
Classes will be filled on a first come basis on and after Nov 15th; your selection of workshops may be limited if we hear from you after November.
Questions? send an e-mail to Judy Gardner at [email removed]
by socaliforniamagistra
Sep 2, 2009
Thanks for the last posting and I hope that more teachers contribute the names of the smaller companies they travel with. The large ones are not offering quality service.
I've found a wonderful company called, LEAD (Lead Achieve Explore Discover)out of San Diego.
I have looked into Nations Classroom, and they seemed like a genuin...See MoreThanks for the last posting and I hope that more teachers contribute the names of the smaller companies they travel with. The large ones are not offering quality service.
I've found a wonderful company called, LEAD (Lead Achieve Explore Discover)out of San Diego.
I have looked into Nations Classroom, and they seemed like a genuinely nice bunch of people, but there was a major requirement that I had, that most companies, including Nations Classroom, do not offer: the 24-hour teaching guide. (Perhaps they would, if asked.)
As per my extensive research and four year in-field experience, it seems that most tour companies have an hotel coordinator in charge of two to ten groups. These coordinators would go over my itinerary at the hotel in a teacher hospitality suite or at a concierge desk near the front desk. The next morning, we had to travel and pick up our guide on a street corner for a four to six hour city tour. Unfortunately, I had this person for only a short time and just as the students got involved, it was over!
The rest of the time I was relying on my bus driver to get us to places on time. Typically, bus drivers cannot tell a group which door to enter or how to check a group into a place, especially if it is inaccessible to the bus, like the US Capitol. It was frustrating and annoying at times, especially when I had 45 students 'breathing down my neck'. Unfortunately, with two different companies, our drivers were totally clueless, and we constantly got lost, even with GPS! On one occasion, we missed our Capitol appointment, and on another, we were 45 minutes late for an embassy visit because we were driving around in circles! You can imagine how embarrassed I was!
Then there were the times that we were staying in hotels en route that did not have a hotel coordinator and I had to check in the entire group; that's OK until there are problems with the rooms (we were given rooms on three floors and they were all smoking rooms). With one company, the escort traveling with us informed me that the hotel check-in was our responsibility, and then disappeared until we boarded the bus the next morning! Or the time we showed up at a restaurant, and they had no room for us! If we had had a good guide traveling with us, he or she could have taken care of these problems, rather than have me constantly telephoning the tour offices for advice.
The reason I'm so fussy is that I was on a school trip to DC about 15 years ago with a full-service company (EFS) that no longer exists. (I heard it was bought and subsequently dismantled by Worldstrides and now Worldstrides no longer will offer 24-hour educational guides to new groups).
I remember our tour guide clearly. She was with us 24 hours, did everything for us, and knew more than our teacher! We loved her! From the moment we arrived at the gate at the airport (you could meet people at the gate in those days!) until we took off, she was there. She was with us from Williamsburg to New York and connected all the places we visited together. We didn't need any other guides (except for Williamsburg). She played games with us in the hotel and taught us historic songs and poems on the bus. She even took an unplanned detour to a Civil War memorial in Fredericksburg. She was also very funny! It's all in my journal!
I missed that service and individual attention with the four class trips I have since taken with three other companies.
It wasn't until I found LEAD, leaddiscoveryusa dot com which always provide the 24-hour teaching guide, that I became truly happy. (I suspect that the owner was a 24-hour guide, herself.)
The guide LEAD has assigned us is superb! She knows how to get around (we never stood in lines!), both stimulates and entertains my 8th graders, knows her history, and can handle situations gracefully and professionally. She is my requested guide for our next trip this spring. The best part is: I'm no longer 'stressed out' on tour.
Obviously, I advocate that every tour should have a 24-hour teaching guide dedicated to them.
We don't follow the usual student tour since I have a 'wish list' (I teach US history and Latin so classical culture reflected in DC is extremely important) and then Marie Martin adds in a lot of educational components including hands-on activities and reenactments, that no one else offers. She and her staff are teachers, so they understand.
If you are looking for a new company, consider one that can offer a full-time teaching tour guide - it makes all the difference in the quality and educational content of your trip.
I've found one in LEAD, and I'm estactic
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Teacher Chatboards
On 7/16/09, MB wrote: > Educational travel is such an important and rewarding > opportunity. Thank you to those of you who lead, and > welcome to those of you considering! > > First, I want to preface this by saying I worked in the > educational travel industry for 6 years prior to be...See More