When Learning About History
|
Besides the usual field trip destinations like the museum or science center, homeschool field trips encompass just about any activity outside your home, from a walk in the woods, to a trip to the grocery store.
No matter where you live, there are many places to visit and explore.
From famous landmarks to hidden parks and streams, the world is yours to discover!
I jump at almost any chance to get out of the house and go on a field trip, during the fall, in Michigan. Although it wasn't quite peak "leaf peeping" season, the above photo was taken on one of the last warm days of the year, and the leaves were turning glorious colors.
A beautiful nature park nestled in a nearby community, beckoned us to learn amidst the changing leaves, in the warm autumn air.
We couldn't resist the invitation and quickly finished up our inside work, jumped in the car to take the scenic route to the park. We spent nearly two hours hiking the trails, learning about wildlife, creation, the life cycle, and marveled at the colors while building relationships and having fun.
More Than Just Book Knowledge
Although at times it's easier to stay home, the hands-on and real life learning that comes from going on field trips, gives your child more than just book knowledge.I remember in seventh grade, going on a school field trip to Fort Malden, a key defensive post during the War of 1812, located in Amherstburg, Ontario.
We dressed up in real costumes, made candles and re-enacted a battle scene using the Fort as our backdrop. We had so much fun running up and down the hills, pretending that we were defending our land! It is an experience that I will never forget and made Canadian history come alive.
Experiencing the War of 1812 through hands-on learning, not only reinforced the concepts I was learning in school, but helped me remember historical facts about my country's past so I would never forget them. (Yes, I am Canadian! :)
I want the same for my children.
Educational Excursions: Fun Alone or in a Group
Homeschool field trips allow your children an opportunity to learn about their world and experience life, outside of your home school room. Your children will touch, hold, see, taste and live what they are learning from their books or on the computer.Not only do your children learn, but you get some great exercise as well!
Homeschool field trips are fun alone, with just your family, or in a group.
As a family you have the flexibility to keep your own time table and do what you like, spending as much time as needed to explore topics or areas of interest, more in-depth. In a group, you have the concerns of keeping up with others and staying on a group schedule.
Benefits of Group Field Trips
Organized group field trips provide the benefits of group discounts and interaction with others. It is a great way to get to know other homeschooling families and begin to develop friendships for further enrichment and homeschool activities, or just to have fun.Many museums, science centers or places of interest offer special prices for school or church groups. Investing a little time to plan a group field trip allows you to take advantage of some great savings.
Our homeschool co-op not only co-ops enrichment classes but field trips as well. Working together not only builds community but benefits the pocketbook!
Being involved in a support group that organizes homeschool field trips provides an opportunity for you to schedule time outside your home to get away from your daily (and sometimes monotonous) homeschool schedule.
It is easy to get focused on completing lessons and working to get everything done. Sometimes we need a little push to stop, get out of the house and smell the roses. Homeschool field trips do that!
Homeschool Field Trips That Come to You!
One mom in our homeschool co-op who loves to plan field trips, organizes in-house field trips too - field trips that come to us! This has been such a blessing for homeschool moms like me who have multi-aged children, as well as babies. The hardest part about going on a field trip for me is getting ready and out the door.
After our Friday co-op classes, an in-house field trip allows my older children some hands-on fun provided by area museum representatives or business owners. It makes good use of our time – we have already gone through making lunches, getting everyone up, fed, dressed and out the door, so I don't have to do it again on another day for a field trip.
The kids love the interaction and I love that the baby can take a nap in the church nursery, otherwise the day does get long for younger children.
There is always a reason to take a homeschool field trip!
Over the years we have visited the post office, Krispy Creme, the local newspaper, television stations, zoos, historical museums, art galleries, science centers, monuments, famous landmarks, businesses, banks, and even shook the president’s hand while learning about the election process.As a homeschooling parent, you have the ability to be more flexible in the education you provide your children. Learning happens best when concepts are reinforced through a variety of ways, from books to hands-on projects.
So, take time outside your home to enrich your child's education. No matter what you are learning, there is always a reason to take a homeschool field trip!
Affordable Homeschooling Activities
Participating in homeschool activities provides educational enrichment for your home learning, fun for your children, and support and encouragement for everyone!Live in the Twin-Cities Area?
Spice up your homeschooling endeavor with some free minnesota homeschooling field trips!Homeschool in Michigan?
Live in the Metro Detroit Area? Enjoy some free Michigan home school field trips!Return from Homeschool Field Trips to Homeschool Curriculum Savings Home
