Summer 2017

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SUMMER 2017 HOMESCHOOL IOWA 23
educator continued to lump people into the animal category
during an animal classification presentation. Do you cringe in
these situations? Do you cover your children’s eyes as you walk
past certain museum displays?
I would like to argue that to prepare our young adults to face
worldly philosophies, they need to form their convictions as
children, with us, outside our homes in the public square.
“See to it that no one takes you captive
through hollow and deceptive philosophy,
which depends on human tradition and the
basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”
Colossians 2:8
4. Character Development
Most mothers don’t really need a wristwatch. We can typically
tell the time based on the reservoir level of our coffee mug and
our children’s behavior. Is it nap time? Close to lunch time?
Breaking the daily routine and going on a field trip presents
an opportunity to practice overcoming selfishness, showing
patience, obedience, and self-control when we are less inclined
to do so. Before a planned outing, we should strive to prepare
our children’s hearts, as well as their minds.
“He who ignores discipline despises himself,
but whoever heeds correction gains understanding.”
Proverbs 16:32
5. Meet New People and Pray For Them
Our favorite naturalist at the local county conservation is lead-
ing the hike today. He doesn’t know it, but I am praying for him
as we wander through the timber. At the historical museum, my
kids know one of the guides by name. He’s a sweet, elderly gen-
tleman who the children look for each time we visit. These are
just a couple of the people who we have met as we travel and
learn outside of our home.
Family prayer time can be enriched by keeping a list of those
whom God brings into your life through your learning oppor-
tunities.
“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercessions
and thanksgiving be made for everyone.”
1 Timothy 2:1
As you start planning your upcoming school year and field
trips, spend time reflecting on these five spiritual blessings. Is
God calling your attention to any one area? Perhaps you need to
start preparing your children’s hearts before outings or engage
in a few more debates with your mini-theologian. Whatever it
may be, commit those areas to the Lord in prayer. Plan your year
in eager expectation and watch in awe as the Lord uses ordinary
field trips to spiritually bless your family and others.
Jennifer Ciha is a NICHE homeschool graduate and now helps coordinate the social media
for NICHE. She and her husband Tom currently homeschool their two children in Ankeny,
Iowa. Jennifer blogs about her family’s field trips and adventures at
where you can find practical information and inspirational photographs.
Bluedorn, Harvey & Laurie. Teaching The Trivium. Iowa: Trivium Pursuit, 2001.
When we first think of field trips we think about
visiting the state capital (DO go here - on Capitol
Day with NICHE!) nature centers, science centers,
art museums, historic landmarks. And all of those are good
but don’t limit yourself to just those BIG field trips - think
simple too:
The Iowa State Fair and your local county fairs
An Iowa farm (call your local FFA or 4H group if you don’t
personally know any farmers)
Local police station, sheriff’s office, fire department, or
National Guard center
Area hospital, veterinarian clinic, or ask your dentist or
optomotrist for a tour of their clinic
County humane society or animal rescue organization
City hall, water treatment plant, recycling or waste man-
agement center, post office, and library
Veterans society or VFW group (they may have volunteer
opportunities to serve our veterans or be willing to come
speak to your local co-op or group)
Nursing homes are great places to volunteer, go carol-
ing, or give end-of-year presentations
Bank, newspaper office, artist studio, photographers’
studio
Grocery store (not for food! For a behind-the-scenes tour!)
TV and radio stations
Restaurant, bakery or coffee shop
Hardware store, pet store, or other locally-owned stores
Factories, many will offer tours - just call and speak to
someone in the office
Downtown areas, county courthouse
Visit ALL the small museums and historic sites in your
county and any close neighboring counties. Small muse-
ums are often more hands-on than the larger museums
Agricultural co-op or seed company
State Forests and State Parks (Did you know that Iowa
has 70 State Parks, 4 major State Forests, 90 State Preserves
and 6 National Wildlife Refuges? Visit as many as you can!)
Register online for the Travel Iowa travel guide - then
make that guide your own! In Iowa, we have the Amana
Colonies, the Madison County Bridges, an Amish commu-
nity, several Dutch communities, and many other interest-
ing things.The Travel Iowa guide is a good starting point to
find things that interest you and your children.
and are two other
great resources for finding attractions, points of interest,
and other things to see when planning a trip.
Where to GO
on a Field Trip:
I