Innovative Ways to Stretch Educational Budgets

In all aspects of life, it takes a combination of traditional teaching and hands-on experience to learn new things. This is why field trips are so valuable for children. Problems with time and budgets can affect a group's ability to participate in field trips, but communities are stepping up to help kids continue learning.

"Our research shows that children retain 85 percent more of a lesson when it is reinforced in a real-life scenario," says Susan Singer, president and founder of Field Trip Factory, an organization dedicated to creating free educational field trips with local retailers. "The learning environment has many different aspects, but when kids see and hear about things that they previously were learning about in books, it really grabs their attention and helps them gain knowledge and understanding."

Field trips are often viewed as rewards or special occasions by children. Whether at school, at scouts or through a youth group, learning through field trips is generally a much anticipated activity. The fundamentals are important, but when concepts are reinforced in a real-life setting, kids get excited about learning and lessons are remembered.

The Problem

Budget cuts and testing are just some of the issues that put pressure on teachers and youth leaders, affecting their ability to take field trips. Participation often costs money, whether it's museum admission, lunch costs or bus funding, more and more teachers are having to cut out this fundamental part of the learning experience.

The Solution

The solution lies in the community and organizations that have knowledge to share and an environment that welcomes children. "That's why we're here," adds Singer. "We realize the needs of the students and the limited ability for teachers. We develop curriculum that is hosted by a variety of retail and local organizations. The result is educational lessons that are hands-on experiences for kids and budget friendly for groups."

Local companies are contributing to children's education by developing field trip programs with the help of Field Trip Factory. All trips are free for participants and are available in a variety of subject areas including health and wellness, science, animal welfare, automotive safety, financial literacy and more.

Michelle Furlong, a teacher in Wayne, Mich., participated in a nutrition-based field trip. "The trip was very informative and included the children in the discussion. We were also given tons of wonderful, healthy foods and items. I can't believe it was all free! A wonderful experience, thank you," she says.

A recent Field Trip Factory survey revealed that bus funding is the biggest reason that groups were limited in the number of field trips they could take. Besides creating interesting and relevant field trip opportunities, the company provides resources for finding additional funding for buses and transportation.

"Social responsibility is being embraced by many organizations throughout the country. Companies are being inspired to give back in ways that benefit communities. Conducting educational field trips helps them reach out to our most valuable asset, the children."

For more information call (800) 987-6409 or visit www.fieldtripfactory.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent