Washington D.C. educational tours are one of the most popular trips for students around the country.  You’ve tried to teach them the checks-and-balances system.  You’ve explained the history that led to the founding of our great nation, and every day you’ve shown them news pieces and opinion articles about the workings of our government.  What better way to make it come alive than to take them there?

You’ll see the words plan ahead in just about everything you’ll read concerning travel.  Sometimes I wonder just how important it really is.  Can’t we just be spontaneous?  Sure.  Just not with students. And not with Washington D.C. – not if you want to do it right.  Did you know your group can actually visit with their congressman?  They absolutely can.  It happens on Capitol Hill, and just imagine how their government could come alive to them then.  But it can’t happen if you don’t plan ahead.

And what about the White House?  Are tours even allowed there anymore with today’s heightened security?  Sure!  If you plan ahead. There is quite a bit of communication that has to happen, but it can be done.

Here’s the best reason yet to plan a trip right now to Washington D.C.:  The 2009 Inauguration.  How thrilling would it be for your students to witness the swearing in of our next president?  This was a historical election year, and it’s a great time to celebrate our democracy and the beauty of our government.  The time to plan a D.C. tour is today.  Start that educational tour off by example and with a little lesson called initiative.  You and your students will be very glad you did.