How to Plan your School’s Farm Tour?

Organizing school farm tours for students is crucial for fostering their academic, social, and emotional growth. It offers enjoyment and amusement while helping individuals grasp the concepts of agriculture, sustainability, and environmental considerations. Here are some helpful tips to consider when planning a concise, informative, and high-quality farm tour for your students.

Establish the Goals

Before moving forward with the implementation of the farm tour, it's essential to establish some guidelines.

Some potential goals could be:

- The essential idea of farming and agriculture.

- The understanding of farming practices.

- To grasp the life processes of farm animals and plants.

- Fostering enthusiasm for professions in agriculture or environmental science.

Select a Suitable Farm

The choice of location is crucial when it comes to selecting a specific farm.

Take into account these elements:

- When selecting a farm, it's essential to consider its location. Choose a farm that is conveniently situated to get to, to prevent any issues.

- When considering a visit to a farm, it's essential to ensure that it is for a guided tour. Having knowledgeable staff on hand to explain the farming processes can greatly enhance the experience for students.

- When considering a farm, it's essential to check if it offers amenities like toilet facilities, parking space, and is close by to a town/city with a hospital for any medical issues. Our farm is located 3 minutes to the town of Dundas and 12 minutes from McMaster children's hospital.

Coordinate with School Administration

Make sure to get the necessary approval from the school administration. Discuss the objectives behind conducting the study and pinpoint the particular farm that will be assessed. Our farm has been hosting school tours for over 50 years and has been approved by School Boards all across Ontario.

Create An Itinerary

To successfully navigate your day, start by creating a plan or timetable.

Incorporate:

- Schedule for departures and arrivals.

- Length of the farm tour.

- Planned events and rest periods.

Organize Your Transportation

It is essential to make arrangements for the safe and comfortable transportation of all these students.

Here are some options to consider:

- School buses are typically the most convenient and budget-friendly option.

- Private charter buses offer a superior service compared to other bus options available.

- It's important to verify the license of the transportation provider and the insurance coverage they possess.

Prioritize Safety and Compliance

Ensuring safety is of utmost importance.

Check out these essential tips to ensure your safety while driving:

- Begin by completing the parental consent forms, which should include contact information and key details regarding the child's medical status.

- Provide teachers and chaperones with training on safety measures and contingency plans, ensuring they know the appropriate actions to take in various situations.

- Stay informed about the weather forecast and always have a contingency plan ready in case of rain. For our farm tours, we have a rain plan already organized for you!

Plan Educational Activities

Here are some thoughts to consider:

- Learning can take many engaging forms, such as hands-on practical activities that delve into composting, plant physiology, and more.

- A task that requires exploring for agricultural tools or vegetation within the area specified by the instructor.

- Talk about practical experiences such as gathering eggs, or sowing seeds, among other activities.

Engage with Parents

It's important to inform parents about the overall itinerary of the trip, its objectives, and what is expected from everyone involved.

Offer them:

- Writing a letter or an email that outlines the educational purpose of the travel might be essential. Details regarding transportation options, travel itinerary, and safety protocols.

- A comprehensive list of essential items that students should consider bringing to class, such as a water bottle, a hat, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing.

Get Students Ready

Prior to embarking on a farm tour or field trip, it's essential to cover the following points with the students.

- Clearly illustrates the purpose of the trip and what one might expect

- Teach appropriate behaviour, effectively managing any signs of impulsiveness and showing respect for farm property.

- Ensure that every child remains with their group, was clearly communicated.

Gather Materials and Supplies

Ensure you have gathered all essential materials and supplies:

- Permission to utilize a camera or tablet for capturing the experience.

- Essential first aid supplies and required medications. (The farm has a First Aid kit as well!)

Execute the Tour

When the tour day arrives:

- Travelling together to the farm to enjoy various activities.

- The Guide will conduct activities, motivating students to pose questions and explore various topics through discussion and play.

- Capturing the essence of the day through photographs or jotting down notes for future reflection.

Take a Moment to Review

As children return to school, it's essential to hold a debriefing session to engage them effectively.

Let's dive into the conversation:

- Ask what they learned and what piqued their interest, including the challenges they faced along the way.

We hope you consider a trip to the farm! For more information on our school tours, visit Dyment's School Tours