Learning Options While Traveling

Traveling while homeschooling can be a remarkable experience, offering unique educational opportunities that extend beyond traditional classroom walls. However, it also presents unique challenges, particularly if you’re interested in maintaining a structured curriculum for when you’re back at your home base. This guide explores various strategies and resources to supplement courses and remote learning for a homeschooler while traveling.

1. Establishing a Flexible Curriculum

Creating a flexible curriculum is essential for homeschooling on the road. Here are some tips:

• Core Subjects: Focus on core subjects such as Math, English, Science, and History. Use a curriculum that allows for flexibility, such as workbooks or online platforms that can be accessed anywhere.
• Unit Studies: Incorporate unit studies that revolve around your travel destinations. For example, studying marine biology while near the ocean or ancient history while visiting historical sites.
• Travel Journals: Encourage your child to keep a travel journal. This not only enhances writing skills but also allows them to document their experiences and learnings.

2. Leveraging Online Classes

Online classes offer a plethora of resources and can be a game-changer for homeschooling families on the go.

• Khan Academy: Offers free courses in a wide range of subjects, including Math, Science, History, and more. You may be surprised at how many courses they offer! They also offer free SAT prep if you have a college bound high schooler.
• Outschool: Provides live, interactive classes on a variety of topics, allowing students to engage with peers and teachers in real-time.
• Time4Learning: An online curriculum that covers core subjects and is designed to be flexible for homeschooling families.
• Coursera and edX: These platforms offer courses from universities worldwide, suitable for older students looking to dive deeper into specific subjects. You can often “audit” a course for free, or pay a fee to take the whole course and receive a certificate of completion. If you audit you still learn the material, you just don’t take tests, participate in forum discussions, or receive grades.
• Dual enrollment: High schoolers can opt to enroll in online classes directly through various universities to receive college credits as well as fulfill a high school credit requirement for the subject.
• CLEP exams: You can study for CLEP exams for various subjects for free through sites such as Modern States, and then take the test when your student returns to your home base to receive college credits while still in high school. Testing centers can be found on the College Board’s website and will usually need to be scheduled in advance, so plan accordingly.

3. Utilizing Educational Apps

Educational apps can be a convenient way to supplement learning during travel.

• Duolingo: Perfect for learning new languages, especially if you’re visiting a country where a different language is spoken. We use Duolingo primarily for Spanish but have been utilizing it for for Italian as well to prepare for an upcoming trip!
• Photomath: Helps with solving math problems by providing step-by-step solutions.
• BrainPOP: Offers animated educational videos on various subjects, making learning fun and engaging.
• Khan Academy: We mentioned this is the last section, but it is worth noting again because they have an app that makes access much easier!

4. Exploring Local Resources

Take advantage of local resources and experiences that align with your child’s curriculum.

• Museums and Historical Sites: Visiting museums, historical landmarks, and cultural sites can provide hands-on learning experiences.
• Local Libraries: Many libraries offer free access to books, educational programs, and sometimes even online resources.
• Science Centers and Zoos: These places can offer unique insights into biology, ecology, and other sciences.

5. Incorporating Field Trips

Field trips are an excellent way to provide practical, real-world learning experiences.

• Nature Walks and Hikes: Use these outings to study local flora and fauna, ecosystems, and geology.
• Cultural Festivals: Participate in local festivals to learn about different cultures, traditions, and histories.
• Workshops and Classes: Look for local workshops or classes that offer hands-on learning in areas like art, cooking, or technology.

6. Staying Organized

Organization is key to ensuring a seamless homeschooling experience while traveling.

• Digital Planning Tools: Use tools like Google Calendar or Trello to plan and track your homeschooling schedule and activities.
• Portable Supplies: Keep a travel kit with essential homeschooling supplies such as notebooks, pens, a laptop or tablet, and educational materials.
• Regular Assessments: Conduct regular assessments to track your child’s progress and adjust the curriculum as needed.

7. Building a Community

While traveling, it’s important to stay connected with other homeschooling families and communities.

• Online Homeschooling Groups: Join online forums and social media groups where you can share resources, experiences, and support with other homeschooling families. Facebook is a great platform for this.
• Local Homeschooling Communities: Whenever possible, connect with local homeschooling groups in the areas you visit. This can provide social interaction for your child and exchange of ideas for you. Many countries have homeschooling “hubs” where locals will arrange activities with visiting groups of people! There may or may not be fees involved, and some are very extensively planned and need to be booked in advance.

Homeschooling while traveling offers an enriching educational experience, combining traditional learning with real-world exploration. By utilizing online resources, educational apps, local experiences, and staying organized, you can create a dynamic and flexible learning environment for your child. Embrace the adventure and watch your child’s education come to life on the road!