Preparation and Planning Ensure Field Day Success

With a little advance planning, field day can be as special and as much fun as you choose to make it. Following are some decisions you'll want to make before the actual field day arrives…

* How many activities will you set up?

* How will the events be organized? Will students move from activity to activity with their classmates (which will enable the inclusion of relay activities), or will you set up 20 different activities and let students select the ones they most want to participate in?

* Will students receive awards as they complete an activity?

You might provide a different colored ribbon or a different colored jellybean for each completed activity.
Each student might wear a card listing all the possible activities; a star is placed on the card as each activity is completed.
Each student might earn a different colored link on a paper chain for each completed activity.

* Will you hold an awards ceremony?

Awards might recognize the best "scores" for each activity by grade level or class.
Special awards might be given to students who complete the most activities, providing an incentive for students to do as many activities as possible during the field day. That keeps students moving and encourages them to participate in activities with have shorter lines.

* Will teachers supervise the different activities? Or will parents be involved so teachers can stay with their own classes or serve as general assistants? (The more parents the better!)

* What other special activities will coincide with field day?

Might you plan a family cookout? Will the local radio station be invited to broadcast live from and provide music for Field Day festivities? Will older students dress in costumes and provide a cheering section for younger students? Will each class create a banner? Will a prize be awarded for the best banner?

* Be sure to have a nurse available.