Fun Homeschool Ideas for a Wild and Free Learning Experience
No one said homeschooling has to be all work and no play. For us personally one of the main reasons for choosing to homeschool in the first place was to spend more time with my 3 boys, having fun learning with them and watching them grow. With that in mind, let’s talk about Homeschool ideas to make homeschooling fun!
So many different homeschool styles, we love the unschooling approach, so many Homeschool ideas, one doesn't fit all, but sharing is caring, right?
Get Started, let's be Making Homeschooling Fun!
Looking for more Homeschooling ideas to make your homeschooling fun?
When I just started I was overwhelmed with information, doing research and reading about all possible ways to homeschool. This is when I've read about de school, more about this in my previous post,https://www.lazyhomeschoolmom.com/post/the-ultimate-guide-to-homeschooling-resources but I think the basis should be fun, and not to duplicate school... So the words "simple", and "wild and free are the words on my heart". We spend all the time we can in nature, but I really wanted to share some of the fun Homeschooling ideas I have collected over the last year.
I’ve struggled so much in the beginning of our journey, comparing myself to others, trying to duplicate school….
Convincing myself the boys would miss out.
I wasn't smart enough.
Kids need sports and school - that's how its supposed to be, at least so I thought..
Then eventually, when I finally started deschooling myself and the children, we eventually transitioned over to doing our own thing, and we will never, ever look back.
So let’s talk about making homeschool fun.
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Tip #1 - Play Learning Games
No list of ways to make homeschooling more fun would be complete without mentioning playing games to enhance your family’s learning. Whether it’s a game your family invents to reinforce memory work—like hangman with geographical locations or a spelling bee with Latin vocabulary—or a traditional board game like Monopoly or Settlers of Catan where your child can learn about economics and practice some math, children can learn so much from playing games. And of course, games make homeschooling more fun! Lets talk about more hands-on Homeschool ideas https://www.lazyhomeschoolmom.com/post/the-ultimate-guide-to-homeschooling-resources
Tip #2 - Connect with Other Homeschool Families
A great way is to search for homeschool co-ups near you, other moe experienced moms always have more homeschool ideas to share, for a little bit Homeschool ideas, I always search on Facebook, the library or Telegram groups. Still, you don’t have to just learn together once a week on your scheduled community day.
Instead, take initiative and invite a couple friends from your community to come learn with your family by taking a field trip together, playground meet-up with a picknick, hiking or just by visiting your home and taking turns reading a great read-aloud book, especially fun when the older children read for the little ones.
“What is most important and valuable about the home as a base for children's growth into the world is not that it is a better school than the schools, but that it isn't a school at all.”― John Holt
Tip #3 - Use Technology to Enhance Learning
Love it or not, children love technology. And although you may struggle already to keep your child from playing too many video games as it is, the reality is that technology can be utilized as a powerful, exciting tool for learning.
Fon instance geocaching, the world's largest treasure hunt.
In addition, there are hundreds of free web-based and mobile apps that promote learning. My personal favourite are khan academy and Anton and of course Pinterest Just search online for whatever subject you are learning, say history or science, and add the words “free online game” to your query.
Another game I really approve is Minecraft, although not for free, but my kids have connected with fun homeschool groups and share ideas with each other. And don't mention all the languages learned during play.
Tip #4 - Get Creative with Art and Food
One of the simplest ways to incorporate some fun into your Homeschooling idea is to give your child opportunities to express their creativity to reinforce the material he or she is already learning.
For example, if your family is studying geography, you can cook a traditional meal from each country you study together. Learning about earth science? Encourage your child to get out into the backyard or a local park with a Nature Sketch Journal and draw the creatures and plant-life they discover. Or, if you and your child are learning about the Ancient Greeks, have your student write their own mythical legend from that era. I could come up with so many more homeschool ideas on this topic, so I might dedicate a new chapter on this topic soon.
Tip #5 - Learn Outside the Home
We love Forest school, but to give a few examples, you and your kiddos can learn about biology by studying the wildlife at your local park or zoo, learn history at your state museum, or even learn a skilled trade like glass-blowing or painting from a trained professional in your area.
Alternatively, you can always take your books and curriculum outside and enjoy the change in scenery! We almost always bring our books, the kindle or portable chess.
But what we really enjoy is foresting, cooking in nature and building wood cabins, talk about life skills!
Tip #6 Lapbooks . I never knew about lapbooks until we started homeschooling. These became an integral part of elementary school projects. My kids loved creating them and I assisted with cutting and arranging pieces when needed. Lapbooks are a great way to document your child's learning on any topic and make for a sweet keepsake as well.
tip # 7 Documentaries - To say we leaned heavily on documentaries and other educational programs in our homeschool is an understatement. All of my kids love learning this way! Every time we visit a new country, city or archeological site, we study before hand, simply watching documentaries and YouTube.
Tip # 8 Art supplies - I love a good stash of art supplies! Bored? Pull out the art supplies. Creating a cool project? Art supplies to the rescue. Need a last-minute gift? Yeah, you know what I'm going to say. Make something with your art supplies
I hope this will get you started with just a few simple but effective homeschool ideas, I remember feeling so overwhelmed, and just didn't know where to get started.
Until this day, when we are feeling stuck, we just take a step back, deschool a little bit and I ust take some time to discuss with the boys what they would love to implement as homeschool ideas for that week, because I strongly believe, if it is something that interest you, it will be easier to concentrate and learn about that particular subject.
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