Saturday, April 9, 2011

Field trips are beneficial!

I just wanted to take some time and reflect on the field trips I took my students on this week. If anyone has taken any size group on a field trip, you know how much work goes into it... request a bus, schedule tour time, coordinate timing, permission slips, chaperones and chaperone paperwork, field trip groups and procedures, etc. I thought I was crazy for taking two in one week, which wasn't the original plan, but it just worked out that way.

The first field trip, I took my photography 1 and 2 students to the Minneapolis Art Institute to view two photo exhibitions, and the rest of the gallery. Our second stop was at the Sculpture garden at the Walker. I was really nervous for this second part, because we had to rely on the weather. I can't tell you how excited the student were about going to the sculpture garden. As soon as the bus doors opened, it was like a stampede of students running towards the cherry on the spoon. I didn't realize how many student don't get to see places like this. I'm sure they know about that sculpture, have seen it in magazine, and were completely "star shocked" to see it in person. They were so involved, engaged and on task (they had assignments at both locations, including creating photographs).

The second field trip this week was taking 12 students to the Missota Art Festival. At this festival, which occurs annually, students attend workshops taught by conference teachers (including myself), view and critique art from other conference students, and listen to an artist in residence.

In taking some time to think about the events of both field trips, I am amazed at how much the students loved their experiences. I feel like to have also connected with them on a different level and have fostered their creativity by giving them opportunities they might not ever have. I have concluded that even though field trips are a TON of work, a lot of stress and worrying, they are well worth seeing the reactions on the students faces.

Part: My next blog, I plan to get student reactions and share those with you

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