Community Based Outings

 Our program does a lot of community based outings. As much as we are trying to get our kids used to being in the community we are also trying to get the community used to being around our kids.  Once a week I have to arrange some sort of hour long outing for my kids to attend.  With limited "free" attractions where I live. Coming up with new, entertaining, educational and interesting outings to do can sometimes be difficult especially the later in the year it gets.  

 So, to avoid trying to find "101 ways to entertain yourself at Walmart" I have started putting together activity sheets for a variety of stores in our community.  Last year I posted some that could be used at the pharmacy, grocery store and Walmart or Target.  Here are the links if you missed them. 
http://empoweredbythem.blogspot.com/2012/04/pharmacy-hunt.
html http://empoweredbythem.blogspot.com/2012/04/grocery-store-activity.
html http://empoweredbythem.blogspot.com/2013/02/grocery-shopping-scavenger-hunt.html http://empoweredbythem.blogspot.com/2012/09/superstore-shopping.html

I put together these three worksheets over the weekend that I plan on using this year. It's a good idea to go over the worksheets before you leave for the outing in case there is any explaining to do.  I think it also gets them excited to get there and start working.  I keep my kids in small groups (2-3 per staff) so that we don't clog any aisle with our presence.  I am sure when these stores see a bus unloading a bunch of kids out front of their doors they might be a little concerned. Remember we want this to be a great experience for EVERYONE involved!
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Community-Outing-Worksheets-835804