Monday, June 14, 2010
Bike Field Trips
I am wondering how others feel about biking field trips. We live in the middle of town and can bike to many different places. We also have many bike trails that take us all over town that we can access quite easily. I probably wouldn't do this with younger grades, but what about 4th or 5th graders?
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Blair,
ReplyDeleteA bike field trip? I have never thought of that before. I think it sounds like a lot of fun. There are a few things to consider when planning something like that though. First of all getting permission from parents and administrators would be important. If you can clear that then you need to figure out where to get enough bikes from. If every student has a bike then there shouldn't be a problem. If a student doesn't have a bike, can they borrow one? Are there students or families in their neighborhoods they can get bikes from?
Once the permission and bike problem are solved you need to decide if you are going to ride out from the school. If so, how are you going to get there. Is there a safe route? Or are you going to be bussed out to the start of your trail and have parents bring the bikes out on trucks?
I think the sky is the limit on something like this. Getting organized and ready to go on something like this would take quite a bit of organization, but I think that the experience would really pay off. Students and teachers would remember it for a really long time. It would also be a great thing to share how you were able to put it together and pull it off.
I am sure there are many ways to tie it into the curriculum to make it an academic experience as you go and enjoy nature.
I would say go for it if you can make it happen. I bet that many 4th and 5th graders would love something like this. Though you would have to keep in mind those students who may not be in great physical shape.
Basically anything that is well planned out and organized can be successful.
Great idea!
Jeff Corry
Thanks for your input. We have actually done a few of these and for the most part they have turned out well. The kids love it. Most of the kids own their own bike and if they don't they we usually have kids that can bring a brother or sisters bike for them or we usually have a parent follow us in a truck and they just ride with them.
ReplyDeleteIt has been a challenge for some of the students. It is amazing how out of shape some of these kids are. I just don't remember kids being this out of shape when I was growing up, but maybe there were.
We do get parent permission before we take the students and all students must wear a helmet.
A bike field trip sounds like a great idea. I would have never thought of that. You are right, being in the center of town allows for some great biking. There are many awesome trails and if you exposed the kids to them at an early age they might get addicted and take on a great hobby!
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