I recently took my preschool class on a field trip to an aviary. I wanted to share some tips and tricks for going on a field trip with preschoolers who use hearing devices like cochlear implants, hearing aids, or BAHA’s. It can be a bit overwhelming at first, but with a little preparation, it can be a fun and educational adventure for all involved! Let’s dive into these tips for going on a field trip with preschoolers who have hearing loss!
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Plan Ahead
It’s all about the planning. Before the big day, discuss the trip with your little ones. Use visual aids, pictures, or simple drawings to show them what to expect. Familiarize them with the destination and the activities you have in store. I pulled up the website for the aviary and showed my kids some of the birds we might see. I had them think about their favorite bird and talked about why we liked that bird, their colors, how big/little they were, and if they had anything funky about them.
Do Listening Checks
Before you leave for your field trip, check their listening devices and do a Ling Sound Check with them (ah, ee, oo, mm, ss, sh). This ensures that their devices are working and ready to go! Of course, a battery might die while you’re on the field trip, but if you check them before, they will most likely be good for the whole field trip.
Frequent Check-Ins
Regularly check in with your students throughout the trip. Ask them how they’re feeling and if they have any questions. Make sure their hearing devices are working correctly and provide them with backup batteries just in case.
Use Assistive Technology
Explore using assistive listening devices that can connect directly to their hearing devices, such as remote microphones. This can help transmit important information directly to their ears. Some of your students might have personal microphones that would be great to use while walking around and talking about what you’re seeing.
Visual and Tactile Experiences
Opt for activities and experiences that are visually engaging and tactile. Museums, art exhibits, and nature reserves can be great options. These environments provide lots of opportunities for hands-on exploration and learning. A trip to the aviary was awesome because we got to walk around a lot and see many different birds.
Sensory Exploration
Encourage sensory exploration during the trip. Allow them to touch, feel, and experience their surroundings. It’s a wonderful way for them to learn and engage with the world around them. Having activities that are interactive helps the kids stay involved and excited about what is going on. It also provides great language exposure to the different senses and vocabulary tied to your field trip!
Snack and Rest Breaks
Don’t forget to schedule snack and rest breaks. Little ones can get tired easily, and these breaks provide an opportunity to check in with them and ensure they are comfortable. Keep it simple. Granola bars, cheese sticks, or fruit is an awesome snack that will keep your kids satisfied.
Debriefing Session
After the trip, have a debriefing session. Discuss what they saw, what they liked, and what they learned. This helps reinforce the educational aspect of the field trip. See if they remembered any of the new vocabulary they learned during the field trip.
Inclusivity
Always keep inclusivity in mind. Be open to suggestions from parents and caregivers who know their children’s needs best. If possible, invite your parents and family to go on the field trip with you! This is an opportunity for the families to meet each other and make connections.
Learn Together
Lastly, remember that we’re all learning together. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes or ask questions. Your preschoolers are incredibly resilient and adaptable, and your support means the world to them. They most likely won’t even notice if a mistake happens! Just have fun and enjoy the experience!
Field trips can be a fantastic way for preschool-aged children with hearing loss to learn and grow. By being proactive and creating a supportive environment, we can ensure they have a great time while also gaining valuable life experiences. Together, we can empower these little superheroes to explore the world with confidence and enthusiasm.
I hope these tips for going on a field trip with preschoolers who have hearing loss help you as much as they’ve helped me. Let’s continue to make each field trip an adventure filled with learning, laughter, and discovery.
Take care, and have a fantastic trip with your amazing students!