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By Dan
If your family loves to go on road trips and explore the great outdoors and you also intend to homeschool your children, then you can do both at the same time by trying out roadschooling. This is when you take your learning on the road and get the same great education but with the added benefit of seeing the world and enriching your teen’s learning even more. If you are wondering if roadschooling is right for your family, then we are here to help.
We will describe some of the basics of roadschooling and how to stay safe along the way.
Benefits of Roadschooling
The idea of roadschooling continues to buck the trend that children must be in a classroom in order to learn. Homeschooling, in general, is great because it allows parents to bond with their children and teach them one on one without the extra fluff. It is a chance to ensure that the kids are learning the curriculum exactly how it was meant to be taught. When you bring this same experience on the road, you can continue to follow the curriculum. You just have the added benefit of experiencing more of the world in the process.
The great outdoors and mental health also have a close connection. When we are outside in green spaces, we feel like we are in a more natural place. This leads to a lower chance of depression and stress. If your child clears their mind by getting out into nature, then they can learn more, be more open-minded, and see the world through an optimistic lens.
It may not seem like it initially, but living a nomadic lifestyle and teaching on the road can also save your family money. If you don’t have a permanent residence and a mortgage payment, then you could save thousands of dollars per year. Plus, if you travel the world in a vehicle like an RV, then you are forced to think about the possessions you really need and clear the clutter from your life. When we live in a cluttered place, we tend to feel more anxious. Traveling so often allows you the opportunity to get rid of the extra stuff and be more organized, which will help with your teen’s learning.
How To Roadschool
Before you hit the road, you will need to do the proper research to ensure that you are staying in compliance with learning guidelines and teaching your kids the things they need to graduate. Even if you have a nomadic lifestyle, your family will still need a home state and you must comply with the rules of where you have a primary residence. When in doubt, check the homeschool laws in your particular state here.
Depending on the state, you may have particular guidelines about what exact classes and tests your kids will need to take, what subjects you should teach, and if you will need to have any teaching qualifications before you get started.
As far as the actual curriculum, you have a few options. You can opt to log onto an online curriculum that is all-inclusive and self-directed so you know what to do each day, and you can spend the rest of the time exploring. If you are not sure that you will have internet access the whole time, then you can try all-in-one workbooks that tell you what should be taught each day. You can also have some days or weeks where you focus on learning new things about nature, the world, and other topics that may not be in the textbooks.
During the roadschooling journey, refer to the state curriculum so you can ensure that you are teaching the topics associated with your child’s grade level.
Keeping Everyone Safe and Healthy During the Adventure
While there are many great perks and benefits to roadschooling, it is essential that you do so safely. Remember the basics, like having your car checked out every 12,000 miles and packing a first-aid kit in case your car breaks down or your child has an unexpected illness.
It is also important that you have access to healthcare throughout your travels and take note of the local hospitals and urgent care facilities along the way. If visiting a doctor is not possible, then remember that you can also use the benefits of telehealth. These days, you can do almost everything via telehealth as you would during your in-office visits with your primary care physician, including getting a diagnosis and obtaining a prescription for the proper medication. Plus, the doctor will tell you if you should go to a physical location for additional testing.
If you have a primary residence, you will want to ensure that that property is safe and secured while you are away during your long trip. Install a security system and tell a trustworthy neighbor that you will be gone so they can keep an eye on the place. While traveling, set your heater to the minimum temperature at which the pipes won’t freeze. This way, you can save money by not overheating an empty house and avoiding potential electrical issues.
Brief yourself on all the ins and outs of roadschooling your teen. If the idea sounds good, then consider creating a detailed plan to bring your child on an incredible journey of learning.