Special Words for Special Needs ~ Making Field Trips Work
11:16 PM, Apr. 30, 2009
Welcome friends, it's field trips week on the Porch. I have to say, if you haven't already, go check out the Taming the Chaos post. I am always leaving something behind somewhere--thank the Lord never a someone! Dell gives some great tips and ideas.
When I hear field trip I think "Oh come on, I can barely keep it together at home! Now you want us to go out?" Yes, and you can have a safe, fun learning experience.
1. Plan twice, go once--The old carpenter's adage remains true for much of life. Make a plan. List the medications that need to be taken, asthma meds, seizure meds, enzymes, etc. If you are going somewhere like the Zoo or the Smithsonian's get a map ahead of time.
2. Your time may be limited--Make a list of the sites that you want to focus on. That way if a behavior issue flares up, or it gets too hot, you will not feel like the trip was a waste.
3. Go with the Lord's peace and protection--Parents, you are in charge of setting the tone. If the traffic is bad don't let that interfere with your trip. Say a prayer for those in the cars around you. I can attest that keeping my voice in a gentle, measured level helped while at a recent conference and two of the my kids melted down in the middle of the vendor's hall.
4. If your family gets stares or repeated comments, go at an off time--I have to admit we can't go through the grocery store without comments. Going to the zoo or a country carnival is overwhelming. I have one little one that uses a wheelchair. My son uses a walker. I use a cane and three of the girls have leg braces. We are an unusual sight. While I don't mind answering questions, when we are out for a learning outing I would prefer to concentrate on learning.
Field trips are your friend! The hands on learning can make an impression where books and lectures don't. Though we as parents of special kids have some extra prep work, the result is worth it. We recently went to the zoo. The kids learned about all sorts of animals and fish, and I have a day tucked away in my heart. Just check out the smile.
One last thing my friends. Several months ago I highlighted a fellow blogger, Natilie at Spina Bifida Awareness and Support. Her daughter Emma is recovering from a surgery related to her spina bifida. Please take a moment and let them know you care, and say a prayer for Emma's continued healing.
God bless!
Heather L
Heather lives in West Virginia. She and her husband have been homeschooling their 5 children for 7 years. Due to a genetic disorder their children have multiple special needs. Living life to the fullest for the glory of God is their goal! Visit Heather's page at www.homeschoolblogger.com/gfcfmomofmany/
Magazine but not quite ready to commit to a subscription without seeing it first?
Check it out for FREE! We're so certain you'll love our publication that we'll gladly send a FREE sample to anyone new to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine - we even cover the shipping!
Welcome to the HSB announcement blogboard from The Old Schoolhouse Magazine,
LLC. We hope you will enjoy the articles posted here by the Porch Team. Please feel free to leave comments!
~ Tia Linschied, Senior Editor of HSB
Our E-Newsletters give you wonderful, informative information about homeschooling, news bits, contests and PRIZES for homeschoolers, articles to encourage you, calls for writers, free unit studies and lesson plans, and just a lot of FUN. Bring the community to your inbox, and no worries, we never sell, trade or give your email or any other information out to anyone.
Come join the homeschool party!
The Homeschool Minute is our most
popular newsletter, full of encouragement and support just for YOU!
Subscribe to *FREE* newsletters offered by The Old Schoolhouse Magazine.
