Recommended Places for Preschoolers Trips (for kids ages 4-8)

1. City Library – Books, books, books! Need I say more? Ah, perhaps a very interesting presentation about the parts of the library and how fun it is for everyone. (Free, may need LoR for a large group.)
2. Palawan Museum – Pique the interest of the kids on local history. A little warning though, do not overdose and leave them having a boring concept of a museum. (Minimal fee for kids @ P2 up to 15 for adults, may need LoR for a large group.)
3. City Fire Department – Most kids are interested in fire trucks. This is also related to the community/language topics covered in preschool subjects. (Free, may need LoR for a large group.)
4. Wescom Hangar – See some aircraft up close and even go on board for some pictures. There are very friendly soldiers who will show the way around and even escort your vehicle around the camp. Isn’t that cool? (Free, needs a Letter of Request 14 days in advance.)
5. Butterfly Garden – Insects that would straightaway bring metamorphosis lessons in action. They provide a little outdate video clip before getting in the enclosure. (They charge an exorbitant fee for a very small space and limited time. Some might be discouraged with the ratio of cost and space.)
6. Demo Bee Farm – Another option of insect lesson sans the fee, plus a possible tasting of honey for free. A bit out of the way but still around the area of Croc Farm (CFI). (Free, may need LoR for a large group.)
7. Palawan Wildlife Rescue and Conservation Center/CFI – Taking care of animals, conservation of wildlife and its habitat is a sure way of bringing classroom science lessons to life.
8. Baker’s Hill – The only good place to let kids play in a playground, along with animal lessons and food to boot.
9. Mitra’s Ranch – They finally have horses in this ranch and it’s quite getting better for picnics that can accommodate a growing number of people. Another good place for kids to roam around.
10. Aloha House – This is actually an orphanage and organic vegetable grower that supplies some produce sold at the store downtown. If lucky, kids can probably see how the veggies are grown and picked. They can even buy some at reasonable prices. (Vegetables may be bought, may need LoR for a large group.)

QUALITY OVER QUANTITY.

It is recommended not go to these places all in one day. This would leave more impact on the children. Allot enough time for these places without the pressure of hurrying on to the next stop. At least two days, or even three, would give the children enough time to enjoy and appreciate the trips to insure it to still be educational. It’s an educational trip after all.

Learning is not only by sight. Let the children experience and explore each place. Present a semi-structured activity in case some gets bored right away.

Some more tips:

1. Teachers should also know about their places of interest and be able to draw out the connection of these places to the things covered in the classroom.
2. The teachers and parents should be aware of what to expect to do in each of the places. These would help satisfy the curious kids’ questions that the teacher may not be able to answer during the trip.
3. There should be a point-person to lead the kids and share the information about the place with everybody. This could be the teacher or someone from the point-of-interest.
4. Parents are there to keep the kids safe and discipline during the trip in order not to cause unnecessary disturbance when the teacher/resource speaker is talking.
5. Secure all the necessary permits and accurate details as to activity, and fees before the trip.
6. Teacher should provide activities that can possibly keep the little tots occupied during down time.

There are other suggested places and activities that can be explored which can be more apt for older students (mid-elementary to high school).

1. The City Landfill at Bgy. Sta. Lourdes – See and smell where our everyday trash go and realize how we can minimize.
2. Lawiswis at Bgy, Irawan – Organic living, with soap-making. Chemistry in nature.
3. Puerto Princesa Port/ Airport – Transportation and communication in town up close. (Although it may be a bit dangerous for little ones. It needs more double checking.)
4. A Vegetable Farm at Bgy. Sicsican or at the Dept. of Agriculture in Irawan – Go organic! Dig that fresh produce for good health!
5. Fishpond or Right on a fishing ground around – Go fishing!