Fun Ways Homeschoolers Can Use the Summer to Educate

Summer opens up an entirely different type of classroom to homeschooled students and their parents. No longer is it required to sit inside a room full of books, paper and pens to learn a lesson. There are many different summer activities that promote learning and growth.

Camping is an excellent way to teach children about the world they live in. It is also a good way to teach history. Comparing the way people lived one hundred years ago to the way we live now is definitely an eye opener. Surviving a weekend or one night at a campsite with no game system, television or computer is a true life lesson. Instead of sitting in front of a tv or playing video games, children can be taught the different types of trees and plants and what they are used for. Forest plants were used for medicinal purposes before the development of our modern medicines. Cooking on an open fire is a skill that can be used in case of power outages.

Parents: What Does It Means to Be Responsible?

Hiking in a National Park or Forest Preserve can be interesting as well. Many National Parks have Naturalists on staffs that are familiar with the area, the foliage and animal life of the area. Explore the trails that are already mapped out. Most parks have signs that contain information about certain areas located along the trails. Signs like these explain historical events, landmarks or the geographical importance of a region.

Parents, Teach Your Child to Make Work Fun

Swimming is another great outdoor activity. Whether at the city pool, lake or private pond swimming makes for great exercise. Swimming lessons are available at most municipal areas. Facilities may also offer lifesaving classes and CPR and first aid. These types of classes may not seem conventional to many, but having basic lifesaving and swimming skills may come in handy if an accident occurs.

A Parents Guide to Recognizing the Signs of a Child in Trouble

Scavenger hunts to find a variety of objects can also be quite fun. Searching for a specific plant, tree, stone or animal will familiarize children with the plants and animals of the area. Collecting things as a group will lead to a sense of teamwork. Working in groups will also provide less chance of accidents and increase safety.

The summer is an ideal time to encourage learning. An abundance of activities are available to intrigue students and keep them motivated to continue the education process, even if it doesn't really seem like school. Keeping education fun and exciting is the key to a successful summer learning program.