Homeschooling ideas for full time travel or extended traveling
World traveling opens up vast avenues not just for adventure but also for education. When you’re traversing different countries and cultures, traditional schooling might seem challenging to maintain. But fret not, here’s how you can turn the world into a vibrant classroom for your children.
Educational Ideas Whilst Traveling
Traveling isn't just about sightseeing; it's an immersive learning experience. Here are a few ways to make each travel destination an educational goldmine for your homeschooler:
Historical Sites and Museums
When you visit historical sites and museums, prepare a small list of facts and questions to discuss with your child. This not only keeps the learning interactive but also deepens their understanding and retention. Some places have infomation already designed for the kids.
Local Workshops and Classes
Participate in local workshops or classes. These could range from pottery making in Italy to calligraphy workshops in Japan. It’s a hands-on way for your child to learn a new skill while understanding the cultural significance behind it. Cooking classes are always a winner, learning such a valuable skill as cooking whilst learning about cultural dishes in a fun way.
Nature Walks
Use nature walks to teach about geography, local flora and fauna, and the ecosystem. This could be as simple as discussing the landscape formations or identifying different types of plants and animals you encounter.
Homeschool Ideas
For a structured learning environment on the go, here are a few homeschool ideas that are easy to implement:
Portable Learning Kits
Create a portable learning kit that includes basic supplies like a writing pad, pencils, educational cards, and a few reference books. This allows your child to learn on planes, trains, or during downtime at hotels.
Daily Learning Journals
Encourage your child to keep a journal. Daily entries can include new things they’ve learned, sketches of landmarks, or even pressed leaves from a nature trail. This not only improves writing skills but also serves as a personalized textbook filled with their experiences. Sticking in tickets or passes, postcards and even printed photos is a beautiful way for them to have a great keepsake for their life.
World Map Tracking
Keep a trackable world map where your child can mark the places they've visited and write interesting facts or memories associated with those places. This visual representation of their travels ties their experiences back to geographical knowledge.
Non-Bookwork Ideas Whilst Traveling
Books are great, but let’s mix it up with some non-bookwork learning ideas:
Scavenger Hunts
Create scavenger hunts that involve finding specific items or completing tasks related to the local culture. This is a playful and engaging way to encourage observation and inquiry.
Learning Through Photography
Encourage your child to take photographs and discuss elements like the rule of thirds or the importance of lighting in photography. This nurtures a creative skill while also honing their observational abilities.
Cooking Local Dishes
Involve children in cooking local dishes. This activity can be used to teach measurements, chemical reactions (like baking), and even some vocabulary if you’re in a non-English speaking country.
Educational Apps / Websites
Leverage technology by incorporating educational apps that complement your travels:
Language Learning Apps
Use apps like Duolingo or Babbel to learn basics of the local language. This not only adds to the educational value of the trip but also helps in interacting with locals more meaningfully. There is also free apps and apps for younger kids to in other languages.
Star Gazing Apps
Utilize apps like SkyView to identify stars and constellations during night-time adventures. It’s an educational activity that can be done from anywhere in the world.
Historical Facts Apps
Download apps that provide historical facts or self-guided tour information. Apps like these can enhance visits to historical sites by providing rich, contextual knowledge.
Language Apps
Reading eggs is a great app to encourgae reading and still learning language whilst travelling.
Kahn Academy
Kahn Academy is a free website that covers maths and science.
Maths Online
Mathsonline is a awesome maths program by grade level. It is a paid program but its simply done and easy to navigate.
Journalling
Keeping a travel journal is a fantastic way for your child to document their educational journey:
Writing Prompts
Provide some prompts to help them get started. This could be as simple as “Today I learned...” or “My favorite memory today was...”
Interactive Features
Encourage the use of maps, ticket stubs, postcards, and drawings in their journal. This makes the learning process creative and engaging.
Reflective Questions
At the end of each day, pose reflective questions such as "What was the most surprising thing you learned today?" or "How is life here different from home?" These questions encourage deeper thinking and understanding.
Turning world traveling into a comprehensive learning experience can be rewarding for both you and your child. It transforms education from a mundane task into an exciting journey of discovery. Ready to unpack your maps and explore the world? Happy homeschooling travels!
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