52 Homeschooling Tips for Every Homeschooler – #5 Take it Outside

One of the best tips that I ever received was to take our homeschool outside. This is obviously easier in some climates than others are but doable in every climate. You just have to be a little inventive and open-minded. Here are some outside educational ideas.

Math games – Math games can be fun outside. You can use sidewalk chalk to do skip counting, practice problems, or practice geometric shapes. Counting can be fun for little ones with sidewalk chalk or sidewalk paint. Elementary kids can work on 100s charts, math facts, or skip counting hopscotch. And high school kids are work out long problems, graph and diagram on the porch.

Reading – It is never a bad idea to set up a blanket in the yard and read outside. Read out-loud to each other, have some quite reading time for each member of the family, or even consider lying under a tree drawing while listening to audio books.

Source: Pinterest Carole McIntire

Nature walks – Nature walks are a great way to move your learning outside. This is great for every weather. There is always nature to observe and study. Even if you nature walk is only 15 minutes, the fresh air and observation will do everyone some good.

Art – There are wonderful ways to use the outdoors to help you with art. Spend time outside observing nature and trying to paint or draw it or simply use the peace of the outdoors to reflect on a piece of art. You will be surprised at how inspiring it can be.

Physical Education – PE is, of course, a great one to take outside. Walking, running, playing games, or learning sports are all excellent outdoor activities. Even in the snowy winter weather, you can walk outside and get some air and some exercise. Doing some quick calisthenics outdoors in the morning to get the blood flowing and get some fresh air.

Any subject can be taken outside. If you have younger students, allowing them time to draw with chalk or play in a water or sand table while you read a lesson can be great. Take advantage of your homeschool freedoms and get your kids outside as often as possible. You might be surprised at how inspiring and rejuvenating some fresh air can do you and your students.

How do you take your learning outside?