-by Mimi Rothschild

Nobody likes being stuck at school every day, even if your schoolroom also happens to be your home.  It’s good, even healthy, to get out once in a while and see what’s going on around you, beyond the four walls of your house.  But thinking of things to do that are fun and educational for your children can be challenging.  Here are a few ideas that might help you get started:

Museums, zoos, farms and planetariums make excellent educational experiences for your students.  They are a great way to tie in lessons on science and math, because they really bring the subjects from paper to life.  They can sometimes be a little pricey, though, so if cost is a factor, organize some other homeschoolers in your area to get a discounted group rate.  Going with a group also benefits your children by allowing them much needed socialization time with their peers.

Local colleges often host small art galleries where students can exhibit their work.  These galleries are usually open to the public, and are free or available for a small entry fee.  If all goes well, your students will leave there inspired by the creativity of others.  Encourage them to try their own hand at artwork once you get home, and maybe even set up your own little gallery somewhere in your home.  Check first, of course, to be sure the work they are showing are appropriate before you go.

Outdoor trips are always fun for kids, and can usually be turned into something educational without much effort.  Simple things, such as a walk in the park or a hike through the woods, can really open the doors to discussions about nature and Creation.  Just examining the intricate details of the leaves on the trees can open a child’s eyes of wonder.  If you live near the ocean, take a trip to the beach.  Build a sandcastle, walk in the surf and examine the shells that are scattered along the sand.   Nature is a wonderful testimony to the Lord and what he has created all around us.  Use the experience to truly enjoy His handiwork, and don’t forget to thank Him for it.

Tap into the local businesses in your area for some enlightening and unique field trips.  Most businesses, particularly factories, welcome visitors and often offer free tours of their facilities.  How thrilling would it be for your child to watch how a newspaper is made, or how bread is baked from start to finish?  They’re sure to be talking about what they saw and learned for years to come.

Nursing homes also make a wonderful place for you and your child to visit.  Spending time talking, reading, and listening to people who have lived long and intriguing lives can be captivating to a young student.  This also instills a sense of giving in them, as they learn to give of themselves and their time to brighten someone else’s day.  Most seniors living in these homes love to have young visitors, so everyone benefits from the experience.

Of course, you don’t have to go out to have a fieldtrip.  There are lots of online resources to educate and entertain your children from the comfort of their own classroom.  Look for videos and how-to demonstrations so your kids can learn as they watch.  The site http://www.diaryofahomeschoolmom.com/fieldtripideas.html  has a couple of links to get you started.

If none of these ideas appeal to you, tap into the resource of other homeschool Mom’s in your network for ideas or suggestions.  Perhaps one or more of them are already planning a trip and you can sign your children up to go along.

Regardless of what you choose to do for a trip, it will all come down to what you make of it.  You can turn just about any activity into a learning experience if you are creative.  And don’t forget to have fun!!!

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Mimi Rothschild is the Founder of LearningByGrace.org the nation’s leading provider of online PreK-12 online Christian educational programs for homeschoolers.