Here's the synopsis of the letter I sent to my girls' teachers last year:
Dear Mrs. M,
The week of February 2nd-9th our family will be going on its annual trip to Disney World. Although this will take away from the class instruction time, we feel strongly that our children will be enriched by our adventure. While at Disney, we expect to encounter people from various countries, including (but not limited to) Mexico, Canada, The United Kingdom, China, Africa, Asia, Japan, France, Norway, Morroco, and Germany (did I get all the World Showcase countries? LOL!) As well, our children will be able to learn about American history through many venues at Magic Kingdom and Epcot. They will learn about dinosaurs, animals from various countries, and science, communication, ecology and physics. Although this is a vacation and relaxing time, my husband and I believe that lessons can be learned at any location and at any time. Even in play can children learn.
I would like to work with you on preparing the children for their missed days of school by eithe rworking ahead, taking work with us, or having alternate assignments such as journalling their trip, sending postcards to the class and sharing pictures of their trip in a presentation for the class (this has won over many a teacher!!)
Sincerely,
E and M's Mom
BTW, I never had any problems with doing this and we did it every year. Just remember to be proactive and don't ask for permission. YOu don't need your child's teacher's permission to take a family vacation (and despite what some people think, there is not a district in this country that can enforce this - you just have to know what hoops to jump through!)
LMK if you need any more information on preparing to work with your child's teacher!
50 more days!!