I’m going on a field trip this week. It’ll be the first one I’ve ever witnessed from the chaperone’s perspective. I’ve done it as a teacher—with all the joys of carrying permission slips, contact information, EpiPens, inhalers, extra pencils, snacks, and a position of ultimate authority just a smidge shy of the bus driver’s (who really seems to hold all the cards)—and I’ve done it, of course, as a student (decades upon decades ago).
While this news may elicit not even a shrug from you, please be aware that it is weighing on me quite a bit more heavily. While my son was excited about my companionship initially, I suspect he is growing a bit wary as the date of the trip draws near. I’m sure he’s worried that I won’t bring my “A” game, but that I’ll simply phone in my performance and embarrass him like any other lame parent. As for me, I’m caught between the poles of responsibility and laissez les bons temps rouler*.
So I am coming to you, faithful Upper Grades Exchange readers, to ask you for your advice. Thinking about chaperones on your class field trips, what role do you prefer they play? Thoughtful, solid rock? Enforcer? Embedded reporter? Biggest kid in the class? Tattler?
Friends, teachers, fans of The Mailbox, lend me your guidance in the Comments.
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*Translation: Let the good times roll.
I would say wait and see if the teacher assigns you a group of kids to watch over if not ask the teacher how you can help her.
one thing I do NOT like to see is parents chit chatting with each other in groups rather then being with their child
If you are assigned a group, make sure the kids are having fun but you are engaging them in the learning part of the trip too. If you don’t have a group ask the teacher what you can do to help and jump in if you see a need.