Going on a field trip gives you the opportunity to share special school experiences with your child. Instead of simply hearing about the cool planetarium with the electric stars, you can share the moment, as the night sky moves across the domed room. Interacting with the class also gives you first-hand insight to the class dynamic. When your daughter talks about Mrs. Smith and various classmates, you will be familiar with the people she mentions.
As children interact with parents who accompany them on trips, they begin to realize that other people take education seriously, not just the teacher, or Mom and Dad. Parents who model respect, peaceful conflict resolution and consideration of others, show students that everyone in the school community is on the same page. They see parents and teachers committed to working together to help everyone succeed and reach the same goals.
Parent chaperones on class outings help teachers do their job more effectively. Concerns for child safety add to the burden of responsibility teachers feel when leading a large group of children. Parent volunteers who take responsibility for moving the group from place to place partner with teachers in a way that benefits everyone. Teachers are able to focus on the educational experience of the class when they don't need to spend the whole time counting heads.
Perhaps the biggest reason to volunteer for the next school trip is the direct benefit to your child. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, students excel academically, participate in more extracurricular activities and have less behavioral problems, when their parents, particularly fathers, are involved at school. Children make a connection between the importance of school and the time their parents spend helping out in the school community. "Mom and Dad must think this is important--I guess that's why they are here."