We are traveling with another family to Disney at the end of October. Their school is requiring that they fill out a form declaring the "educational value" of the trip they are going on. Has anyone else had to fill out one of these forms? What did you write? Can schools even require this? I think it is kind of crazy. Anyway, I figured the DIS would have some good ideas on what to write! Thanks!
While we were not required to do anything, one special teacher that I have a lot of respect for suggested the kids do a learning journal. Thought it was a good idea and we still look back at them as a reminder of our trip.
Showcase and cultural learning - In the world Showcase you can learn traditional customs of other cultures from each country being exhibited. Usually there are CM's from the country on display that will happily speak to you about where they are from and the differences between the homeland and his/her experiences in our culture. We still visit Jose in Mexico when we can find him and a couple of others in Italy, France and Morocco. You also have the acts in each one that are good to observe.
Future World - The kids did a lot of the Innoventions activities and recorded what they learned there.
The Land - We did the behind the seeds tour. The kids took notes on some of the new technologies used to grow crops, create hybrids and conservation.
Animal Kindom - We have pictures of the animals along the trails and the informational plaques provided. They also took notes from speaking with the specialist, some who we say hello to each time we see them on the next trip(s). You learn where they come from and the specific aspects of why and how they have adapted to live there.
Hollywood Studios we had very little int he journals. A few notes on special effects and how they make movies from some attractions, but not a lot.
Magic Kingdom - They wrote about the steam trains and how they worked (we did the behind the scenes tour). It was a good historical and engineering learning experience for them. The CM's discussed how the tracks are made, layed on the ground and about each engine and how they work. They also provided some historical background on when those types of trains were used, what things they were used for and Walt's fascination with them.
As general things, we would give the kids $$ to buy things and they had to calculate the change, make sure they go the correct amounts back and such. They had a budget for treats, souvenirs and things like that and had to keep track of it. One CM gave them both ice cream for free because he realized what they were doing and got the change correct and also answered some other math questions for him. It was awesome for the kids to say they "earned" a free snack.
I will say that none of this was "required" by the school or by us. It was suggested and the kids did it on their own as they were doing these things. Of course we did it with them, discussed the topics and activities and helped them with writing ideas. There really is a lot you can do with regards to learning if you look for it.
While I would not argue that Disney is a "learning" vacation or try to get the school to excuse the absence as such, there are a lot of learning opportunities if you look for them. I never filled out a form for the school either and we always had teachers that were very good about missing the time and supportive. Good luck!
