The Art of Chaperoning

PLEASE PRINT COPIES OF THIS PAGE AND DISTRIBUTE TO ALL CHAPERONES PRIOR TO YOUR FIELDTRIP.

Chaperones are an important part of assuring that students have an enjoyable and educational experience. Chaperones should review all museum rules before your visit. Here are some important things to remember:

Keeping the group together helps maintain order and safety for the children. Ways to keep the group together include:

• Walk in a line or use a buddy system.
• Sit in front of objects when stopping to talk about them. Allow an arm's length distance from artwork and a pathway for other visitors.
• Visit restrooms as a group, before or after the tour.

Docents and security officers are not responsible for discipline. Here are some suggestions for constructive and appropriate discipline:

• Discuss any discipline issues with the docents and teachers prior to the tour.  
• Stay close and interact with the tour.
• Take an active role to encourage enthusiasm and participation.
• Address students by name, and if a student needs special attention, take the child aside and ask them to stay with you.

Be aware of space restrictions in our galleries and studios. Extra (more than 2:10) chaperones might need to wait in nearby areas, especially during studio times.