Field trips do not have to be elaborate events that cost money. Simple outdoor class time can help ease the doldrums. If students become overactive and get irritable with each other and with their teachers, it may be time to blow off a little steam outside. Even a few minutes of fun in the sun can rejuvenate your students – and the teachers – to come back in and tackle the learning process.
Reading is an activity well suited to doing outdoors. The only supply you have to carry is the book. Choose a quite area with something to look at. Give the class a chance to settle down for a few minutes before you begin reading. The sun and wind will soon calm them and they will pay more attention to your reading.
This special outing can be used as a special treat for good classroom behavior during the morning classes. Art is another excellent outdoor class experience if you have a way to transport the materials and the students outdoors and back in. There is less mess to worry about and the setting is ideal for sparking imagination.
Music is also a good outdoor class if your school is well supplied with simple instruments for each student. If not, perhaps one of the music classes or the band can schedule a performance for your students outdoors. This is excellent practice for the musicians as well as an enjoyable experience for your students.
Fresh air and sunshine can ward off depression. Being outdoors on a pretty day can ease tensions that build up when students are confined indoors day after day. It can relieve some of the stress and motivate everyone to be their best.