TLA Events – Lower Mainland

Homeschoolers are often scrutinized by the public and it is very important that we leave a good impression on those we encounter. Below are guidelines for when you go on a field trip, so that we will all be welcomed, appreciated and invited to return…because you may be the only example of homeschooling “they” see!

Before The Trip:

Age Levels: Observe the age level of the field trip. Since little ones can be distracting, find a sitter or co-op with other mothers whenever possible. Some trips do not allow preschool children to attend and others prohibit using strollers. Please respect these requests.

Registration: Register with the office for all Field Trips when requested. Only sign up for a field trip if you are committed to attending. Having unregistered families (not on the registered list) arrive unexpectedly is inconsiderate and is stressful for all involved.

Cancellations: Call to cancel well in advance if you can’t make it. In the event of an emergency cancellation, please notify the field trip coordinator as soon as possible. Refunds are dependent upon a number of factors: field trip destination’s refund policy, ability to fill you have left open from a waiting list, advanced notice of cancellation.

Payment: Pay for the trip on time. Payment (if cost involved) is due at registration and no one is registered until payment is received. Please do not expect the field trip coordinator to hold a spot for your family if you have forgotten to bring the payment.

Punctuality: Be on time. Latecomers are disruptive. Please arrive 15-20 minutes prior to the start of the field trip and wait for all to be present before entering the site. This is less distracting for our sponsors and allows us the chance to organize and provide any instructions needed.Unfortunately, homeschoolers have a reputation of being late. Being punctual is good manners and shows respect for others’ time. It can be frustrating, annoying, and distracting when we arrive late, especially when families arrive after the presentation has begun.

Special circumstances: If you are not accompanying your child on a field trip, you must arrange to provide a responsible adult to attend, along with notifying the coordinator of your intent. The entrusted adult must assume responsibility for the behavior of your child during the field trip.

Dress Code: Dress should be clean, modest, and appropriate for the field trip.

Food: Remember to have your children eat before field trips. A child who is hungry is less likely to enjoy and learn from the field trip. You are welcome to bring food along for your children, ensuring snacks or meals are consumed at appropriate times (ie. before and after the main event).

Preparation: Familiarize yourself with any available information concerning your outing. Be an informed guide for your children. Prepare your children by accessing any activities or information which would enhance their experience. You are your child’s teacher; use this as an enhancement to their education. Prepare them beforehand for any learning experiences and while on the field trip, quietly point out interesting features that are unique to your family’s interests. Let your child know what to expect academically.

During The Trip:

Facility Rules: Be aware of what is “hands-on” and “hands-off”. Parents should make sure their children observe all the facility’s rules. Don’t allow your children to run, shout, or engage in horseplay. Parents are responsible to enforce the rules of the field trip. Remember that many places are accustomed to schools walking in straight lines and not speaking out of turn. Perhaps what we view as our children happily exploring and freely thinking outside the box (classroom), may appear to others as a group of wild chimpanzees! Even if a child is bored, they should still show respect for the speaker or leader. Children should behave in a courteous and controlled manner, follow directions, listen attentively, and raise hands to ask or answer questions. Prepare your children and discuss what behaviors are expected before the trip begins.

Questions: Ask intelligent questions. The docents love it when children show their interest by asking relevant questions. You may want to do a unit on the subject prior to the field trip. The children are more likely to enjoy a lecture and participate in the discussion if they are familiar with the topic.

Child-minding: Stay with your child. Remember, this is not a free baby-sitting service, it is an educational event. You are responsible for your children. Keep them with you at all times. Don’t allow your children to wander away from the group. Be sure you know where your children are at all times so that you can correct them when necessary.

Involvement: Be involved in the program. Adults should also be attentive and show respect by not participating in side conversations.

Leadership: Be sure you know who is designated as the “leader” and respect the designated leader’s decisions during your tour.

After The Trip:

Appreciation: Show your appreciation after your visit. Many companies and organizations take time off and possibly lose business during tours. Be sure your children offer thanks after the tour. It is also appropriate to have your children send a written than you note within seven days after the visit.

Consequences: While we understand children may misbehave or occasionally have a bad day, if this is not corrected or inappropriate behavior continues, measures will be followed:

- First time offenders will receive a warning

- Second time offenders will not be allowed to attend field trips and special events for 1 month

- Third time offenders will not be allowed to attend any of the remaining field trips or special events for one full year.

Dangerous, belligerent, or blatantly disrespectful behavior may result in immediate expulsion from field trips for a set amount of time deemed appropriate by the School. Your field trip coordinators will do their best to provide fun and educational field trips and provide information in a timely manner. If there are any questions, concerns or suggestions, please contact your field trip coordinator.

Non-TLA Students

Students who are not enrolled or registered with TLA may attend TLA organized field trips at an additional cost specified for each trip upon request.