Homeschooling Chronicles - Educational Vacations

Summer break is just around the corner, which means it's time for family vacations.  Minivans will be filled to capacity and everyone will be bursting with excitement to reach their intended destination. This is a perfect time to sneak in some learning time. With minimum planning, fun and learning can begin as soon as the car backs out of the driveway.

Visit a Historic Site

The lessons you do with your students depends upon where you are planning to go. Even if your ultimate goal is an amusement park, check to see if there is a historic site along your route. You may also want to check with the National Park Service to see if there are any parks nearby. They usually offer a Junior Rangers program which is designed to pique the interest of young visitors. Park rangers are also eager to share their knowledge and make suggestions about how to make your visit beneficial for all. Most parks and historic sites have a place for visitors to view exhibits or pick up booklets that will give you more information about their site. Your students can read the printed material as you drive. Also, if you know in advance that you will be stopping, do a little research before you start your trip. Reinforce learning by printing out worksheets, puzzles or other activities pertaining to the historic site you are visiting.

Listen to Books on Tape

Recorded books are another way to educate as you travel. Sometimes the classics are more enjoyable when they are listened to, rather than read. Or, you could choose your book based on your final vacation destination. For example, you could read a Civil War story on your way to Gettysburg. The American Girl series is also a great choice. These books tell the stories of young girls in various places and times in history. Newbery Medal winners are usually wonderful works of literature. A long trip can provide a great excuse hear a variety of award winning books. Promote discussion by comparing the aspects of each book that you think may have contributed to its winning of the award.

Making Movie Watching Educational

Many cars have DVD players or families can bring along portable players. Find a movie you consider to be enriching. Documentaries are a great option. PBS has some wonderful educational titles as well. Families can take advantage of library resources, ask the librarian for recommendations. Your local video store may also be a good resource. Additionally, Disney’s Nature series has inspiring photographic images.

Bringing Workbooks Along

Workbooks can easily be packed. This can be a perfect opportunity to catch up on some school work. Distractions are limited, and your student has already realized he will be sitting for a while. Workbooks and school work can sometimes be an antidote for boredom. Offering students the opportunity to do work in the car, rather than at the destination, can be a great incentive. I hope my ideas for combining education and vacation make your summer trip enjoyable.